Cleveland Crunch
Encyclopedia
The Cleveland Crunch was formed in 1989 as an expansion team in the Major Soccer League
to replace the Cleveland Force, which had folded on July 22, 1988. Akron businessmen George S. Hoffman and Stuart Lichter formed an ownership group, named Al Miller general manager and former Force star Kai Haaskivi
player-coach. Miller and Haaskivi brought back many players who had become fan favorites during the Force's height of popularity in the mid-1980s. The Crunch's home arena was the Richfield Coliseum.
Near the end of the Crunch's first season, Miller engineered a trade that would help Cleveland make it to the championship finals in seven of the next 10 years. He sent veteran forward Paul Wright to the San Diego Sockers for Zoran Karic
, a feisty forward who immediately hit it off with Cleveland star Hector Marinaro
. Within weeks, they were dubbed the "Dynamic Duo" and together rewrote the scoring record books for the next decade.
When the original MISL ceased operation in the summer of 1992, the Crunch, Baltimore and Wichita joined the rival NPSL as "expansion teams". All were permitted to keep only six players, then fill the rest of their rosters in an expansion draft of players made available by other NPSL teams. The NPSL, in an effort to promote the sport in the United States, had a cap of two non-Americans allowed on a roster. Canadian-born Marinaro and Serbia native Karic filled that quota immediately. Besides Marinaro and Karic, holdovers from the MISL Crunch were midfielders Tommy Tanner and Andy Schmetzer, defender George Fernandez and young goalkeeper Otto Orf
.
Orf had only a 14-32 record the previous three years with the club as backup to P.J. Johns. Before switching leagues, Miller had signed four-time NPSL goalkeeper of the year Jamie Swanner from the Canton Invaders. That contract was voided when the Crunch entered the NPSL. Swanner and several ex-Invaders signed as free agents with another expansion team, the Buffalo Blizzard
. New Crunch coach Gary Hindley
said he wanted Orf as his starter, citing the big keeper's strong throwing arm as an offensive weapon. He wanted Orf getting the ball to Marinaro and Karic with outlet passes at the team's new home, the CSU Convocation Center
, where the playing surface was considerably smaller than it had been at the Richfield Coliseum.
Orf became a 25-game winner, Marinaro and Karic shattered all scoring records, and Cleveland advanced to the league finals, where it lost to the Kansas City Attack, three games to two. A year later, the Crunch finally broke through to win Cleveland's first championship in any pro sport in 30 years. Marinaro scored the dramatic game-winner in double overtime as Cleveland overcame a 15-10 deficit to defeat the visiting St. Louis Ambush, 17-15, to take the series, three games to one.
Lichter faded from view when the MISL folded and Hoffman became even more active as team owner during the Crunch's almost yearly run to the finals. Hoffman eventually sold his interest to a Cleveland group headed by Richard Dietrich. Soon after, the NPSL reorganized itself as the new Major Indoor Soccer League
in 2001. The team took on the old Cleveland Force name in 2002.
Division Titles
Scoring Champions
All-Star Game MVP
Rookie Of The Year Award
All-Rookie Team
MSL Eastern Division Finals: Defeated Kansas City Comets, 4-3
MSL Championship Series: Lost to San Diego Sockers, 4-2
1991-92
MSL Semifinals:Lost to Dallas Sidekicks, 4-2
1992-93
NPSL American Division Semifinals: Defeated Buffalo Blizzard, 2-1
NPSL American Division Finals: Defeated Harrisburg Heat, 2-1
NPSL Championship Series: Lost to Kansas City Attack, 3-2
1993-94
NPSL American Division Semifinals: Defeated Buffalo Blizzard, 2-1
NPSL American Division Finals: Defeated Harrisburg Heat, 2-1
NPSL Championship Series: Defeated St. Louis Ambush, 3-1
1994-95
NPSL American Division Semifinals: Defeated Buffalo Blizzard, 2-1
NPSL American Division Finals: Lost to Harrisburg Heat, 3-0
1995-96
NPSL American Division Semifinals: Defeated Buffalo Blizzard, 2-1
NPSL American Division Finals: Defeated Baltimore Spirit, 3-1
NPSL Championship Series: Defeated Kansas City Attack, 4-2
1996-97
NPSL American Conference Semifinals: Defeated Baltimore Spirit, 2-1
NPSL American Conference Finals: Defeated Harrisburg Heat, 3-1
NPSL Championship Series: Lost to Kansas City Attack, 4-0
1997-98
NPSL American Conference Semifinals: Lost to Philadelphia Kixx, 2-0
1998-99
NPSL American Conference Semifinals: Defeated Montreal Impact, 2-1
NPSL American Conference Finals: Defeated Philadelphia Kixx, 2-0
NPSL Championship Series: Defeated St. Louis Ambush, 3-2
1999-2000
NPSL American Conference Semifinals: Defeated Montreal Impact, 2-0
NPSL American Conference Finals: Defeated Baltimore Blast, 2-0
NPSL Championship Series: Lost to Milwaukee Wave, 3-2
2002-03
MISL Eastern Conference Semifinals: Lost to Baltimore Blast 1-0
2003-04
MISL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Lost to Dallas Sidekicks 1-0
2004-05
MISL Semifinals: Defeated Philadelphia Kixx 2-0
MISL Finals: Lost to Milwaukee Wave 2-0
Major Soccer League
The Major Indoor Soccer League, known in its final two seasons as the Major Soccer League, was an indoor soccer league in the USA from 1978 to 1992. After the folding of the North American Soccer League in 1984, the MISL was the Division I soccer league for the United States...
to replace the Cleveland Force, which had folded on July 22, 1988. Akron businessmen George S. Hoffman and Stuart Lichter formed an ownership group, named Al Miller general manager and former Force star Kai Haaskivi
Kai Haaskivi
Kai Haaskivi is a retired, Finnish, soccer player. He starred in the North American Soccer League, playing outdoor as well as indoor soccer. He also played for the Finland national football team. He now coaches in the United States.- Professional :The 178 cm midfielder began his NASL career...
player-coach. Miller and Haaskivi brought back many players who had become fan favorites during the Force's height of popularity in the mid-1980s. The Crunch's home arena was the Richfield Coliseum.
Zoran Karic
Zoran Karić is a retired Yugoslavian soccer forward who began his career with FK Partizan before spending seventeen seasons playing indoor soccer in the United States. He was the 1988 MISL Rookie of the Year, 1992 MISL leading scorer, 1994 NPSL MVP, and a nine time, first team All Star.-Bio:Karić...
, a feisty forward who immediately hit it off with Cleveland star Hector Marinaro
Hector Marinaro
Hector Luis Marinaro is the all-time leader in points and goals in professional indoor soccer. He is currently the men's soccer coach at John Carroll University.-Youth:...
. Within weeks, they were dubbed the "Dynamic Duo" and together rewrote the scoring record books for the next decade.
When the original MISL ceased operation in the summer of 1992, the Crunch, Baltimore and Wichita joined the rival NPSL as "expansion teams". All were permitted to keep only six players, then fill the rest of their rosters in an expansion draft of players made available by other NPSL teams. The NPSL, in an effort to promote the sport in the United States, had a cap of two non-Americans allowed on a roster. Canadian-born Marinaro and Serbia native Karic filled that quota immediately. Besides Marinaro and Karic, holdovers from the MISL Crunch were midfielders Tommy Tanner and Andy Schmetzer, defender George Fernandez and young goalkeeper Otto Orf
Otto Orf
Otto Orf is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who played professionally in the United Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League and National Professional Soccer League. He played one game for the U.S...
.
Buffalo Blizzard
The Buffalo Blizzard was an indoor soccer team based in Buffalo, New York. The team was a member of the now defunct NPSL from 1992 to 2001. From 1992-1996, the team played at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, and they moved to HSBC Arena in 1996 where they played until 2001.The team was originally...
. New Crunch coach Gary Hindley
Gary Hindley
Gary Hindley is an American soccer coach. He has coached youth soccer, high school, college and professional teams. He won Coach of the Year honors in 1984 in the United Soccer League, 1991 American Professional Soccer League and 1998...
said he wanted Orf as his starter, citing the big keeper's strong throwing arm as an offensive weapon. He wanted Orf getting the ball to Marinaro and Karic with outlet passes at the team's new home, the CSU Convocation Center
Wolstein Center
The Bert L. & Iris S. Wolstein Convocation Center is an indoor arena located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It replaced the Woodling Gym...
, where the playing surface was considerably smaller than it had been at the Richfield Coliseum.
Orf became a 25-game winner, Marinaro and Karic shattered all scoring records, and Cleveland advanced to the league finals, where it lost to the Kansas City Attack, three games to two. A year later, the Crunch finally broke through to win Cleveland's first championship in any pro sport in 30 years. Marinaro scored the dramatic game-winner in double overtime as Cleveland overcame a 15-10 deficit to defeat the visiting St. Louis Ambush, 17-15, to take the series, three games to one.
Lichter faded from view when the MISL folded and Hoffman became even more active as team owner during the Crunch's almost yearly run to the finals. Hoffman eventually sold his interest to a Cleveland group headed by Richard Dietrich. Soon after, the NPSL reorganized itself as the new Major Indoor Soccer League
Major Indoor Soccer League (2001–2008)
The Major Indoor Soccer League was the top professional indoor soccer league in the USA. The league was a member of both the United States Soccer Federation and FIFA. The MISL had replaced the NPSL which folded in 2001. According to MISL.net, the league has ceased operations as of May 31, 2008...
in 2001. The team took on the old Cleveland Force name in 2002.
Team Honors
Championships- 1993-94 NPSL Champions
- 1995-96 NPSL Champions
- 1998-99 NPSL Champions
Division Titles
- 1990-91 MSL Eastern Division
- 1994-95 NPSL American Division
- 1995-96 NPSL American Division
- 1996-97 NPSL Central Division
- 1998-99 NPSL Central Division
- 1999-00 NPSL Central Division
Individual Honors
Most Valuable Player Award- 1992-93 Hector MarinaroHector MarinaroHector Luis Marinaro is the all-time leader in points and goals in professional indoor soccer. He is currently the men's soccer coach at John Carroll University.-Youth:...
- 1993-94 Zoran KaricZoran KaricZoran Karić is a retired Yugoslavian soccer forward who began his career with FK Partizan before spending seventeen seasons playing indoor soccer in the United States. He was the 1988 MISL Rookie of the Year, 1992 MISL leading scorer, 1994 NPSL MVP, and a nine time, first team All Star.-Bio:Karić...
- 1994-95 Hector Marinaro
- 1995-96 Hector Marinaro (shared with Milwaukee's Victor NogueiraVictor NogueiraVictor Nogueira is a retired American soccer goalkeeper. Nogueira spent six seasons in the North American Soccer League, but gained his greatest recognition in over twenty seasons in three indoor leagues, the Major Indoor Soccer League, National Professional Soccer League and the second Major...
) - 1996-97 Hector Marinaro
- 1998-99 Hector Marinaro
- 1999-00 Hector Marinaro
Scoring Champions
- 1991-92 Zoran Karic, 102 points in 37 games
- 1992-93 Hector Marinaro, 248 points in 38 games
- 1993-94 Zoran Karic, 267 points in 36 games
- 1994-95 Hector Marinaro, 255 points in 32 games
- 1995-96 Hector Marinaro, 247 points in 33 games
- 1996-97 Hector Marinaro, 265 points in 36 games
- 1997-98 Hector Marinaro, 212 points in 36 games
- 1998-99 Hector Marinaro, 195 points in 34 games
- 1999-00 Hector Marinaro, 231 points in 38 games
- 2000-01 Hector Marinaro, 161 points in 34 games
All-Star Game MVP
- 1993 game in Cleveland, Zoran Karic
- 1995 game in Buffalo, Zoran Karic (shared with Kansas City's Brian HaynesBrian HaynesBryan Haynes is a retired Trinidad soccer midfielder who earned twenty-one caps with the Trinidad and Tobago national football team. He spent his entire professional career in the United States where he played for numerous indoor and outdoor league...
) - 1999 game in Wichita, Zoran Karic
- 2001 game in Buffalo, John BallJohn Ball (soccer)John Ball is an American soccer player who currently plays for USASA amateur team CASL Elite.-College:Ball played college soccer for Southern Connecticut State...
Rookie Of The Year Award
- 1991-92 Tommy TannerTommy TannerThomas “Tommy” Tanner is a retired American soccer midfielder who played professionally in the USL A-League, Major Indoor Soccer League and National Professional Soccer Leaguey...
- 1994-95 Henry GutierrezHenry GutierrezHendrig "Henry" Gutierrez is a retired American soccer player who began his career in the lower French divisions before finishing it in the United States. He was a member of the U.S. teams at the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship and the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship...
All-Rookie Team
- 1991-92 Tommy Tanner, 1st team
- 1993-94 Troy DayakTroy DayakTroy Dayak is a former American soccer player who played as central defender. He spent his entire Major League Soccer career with the San Jose Clash/Earthquakes and nearly all of his professional career playing for Bay Area teams.-San Francisco Bay Blackhawks:Dayak grew up in Walnut Creek,...
, 2nd team - 1994-95 Scott SchweitzerScott SchweitzerScott Schweitzer is an American soccer coach and former professional soccer player. He spent two years as the head coach of Carolina RailHawks FC.-College soccer:...
, 1st team - 1994-95 Henry Gutierrez, 1st team
- 1995-96 Todd DusoskyTodd DusoskyTodd Dusosky is a retired American soccer forward who spent most of his career with indoor teams. He also played a handful of seasons in the USL A-League.-Soccer:...
, 2nd team - 1996-97 John Ball, 1st team
- 1997-98 Shawn Boney, 2nd team
- 1997-98 Bo Simic, 2nd team
- 2001-02 Marco Reda, 1st team
- 2001-02 Justin EvansJustin EvansJustin Evans is an American former professional soccer player. He is currently the head coach of Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the USL Second Division.- College :...
, 1st team
Head coaches
- Kai HaaskiviKai HaaskiviKai Haaskivi is a retired, Finnish, soccer player. He starred in the North American Soccer League, playing outdoor as well as indoor soccer. He also played for the Finland national football team. He now coaches in the United States.- Professional :The 178 cm midfielder began his NASL career...
(1989–90) 29-50, .367 - Trevor DawkinsTrevor DawkinsTrevor Dawkins is a retired English professional football defender. He spent seven seasons in the Football League, five in South Africa, and seven in the United States, most in indoor leagues. Following his retirement in 1985, he coached for fourteen years in the U.S. indoor leagues...
(1990–92) 40-25, .615; Playoffs: 8-11, .421 - Gary HindleyGary HindleyGary Hindley is an American soccer coach. He has coached youth soccer, high school, college and professional teams. He won Coach of the Year honors in 1984 in the United Soccer League, 1991 American Professional Soccer League and 1998...
(1992–95) 78-42, .650; Playoffs: 15-12, .555 - Bruce MillerBruce Miller (soccer)Bruce Miller is a retired Canadian soccer player who played professionally in the North American Soccer League, and Major Indoor Soccer League. He also earned eight caps with the Canadian national team and coached the Cleveland Crunch to two National Professional Soccer League titles...
(1995-01) 149-87, .631; Playoffs: 27-18, .600 - George FernandezGeorge FernandezGeorge Fernandez is a retired American soccer defender who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Professional Soccer League. He coached in both the Continental Indoor Soccer League and NPSL and was the 1994 CISL Coach of the Year.-Youth:Born in San Francisco,...
(2001) 3-5, .375 - Mike Pilger (2001–02) 17-31, .354
- Andy SchmetzerAndy SchmetzerAndy M. Schmetzer Andy M. Schmetzer Andy M. Schmetzer (born April 26, 1967 in Seattle, Washington is a former U.S. soccer midfielder and indoor soccer coach.-Youth:Schmetzer grew up in Seattle, Washington where he attended Nathan Hale High School. He learned to play soccer under the tutelage of his...
(2002–04) 33-38, .465; Playoffs: 0-2 .000 - Omid NamaziOmid NamaziOmid Namazi is a retired Iranian-American soccer defender and the current Assistant Coach to Carlos Queiroz with Iran national football team. Namazi played professionally in the American Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League, Major League Soccer, USISL and National Professional Soccer...
(2004–05) 23-16, .590; Playoffs: 2-2 .500
Year-By-Year
| Year | League | Logo | Reg. Season | Playoffs | Avg. Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-90 | MISL | |
4th East, 20-32 | Failed to qualify | 5,543 |
| 1990-91 | MSL | |
1st East, 29-23 | Lost Championship | 4,640 |
| 1991-92 | MSL | |
3rd MISL, 20-20 | Lost Semifinal | 7,056 |
| 1992-93 | NPSL | |
2nd American, 25-15 | Lost Championship | 6,483 |
| 1993-94 | NPSL | |
2nd American, 23-17 | Won Championship | 6,677 |
| 1994-95 | NPSL | |
1st American, 30-10 | Lost Semifinal | 7,579 |
| 1995-96 | NPSL | |
1st American, 31-9 | Won Championship | 7,647 |
| 1996-97 | NPSL | |
1st Central, 29-11 | Lost Championship | 8,044 |
| 1997-98 | NPSL |  |
2nd Central, 21-19 | Lost Conference Semifinal | 8,265 |
| 1998-99 | NPSL | |
1st Central, 26-14 | Won Championship | 8,034 |
| 1999-00 | NPSL | |
1st Central, 27-17 | Lost Championship | 6,290 |
| 2000-01 | NPSL | |
5th American, 18-22 | Failed to qualify | 6,317 |
| 2001-02 | MISL II | |
5th MISL, 16-28 | Failed to qualify | 4,688 |
| 2002-03 | MISL II |  |
2nd East, 19-17 | Lost Conference Semifinal | 5,381 |
| 2003-04 | MISL II | |
3rd East, 15-21 | Lost Quarterfinal | 4,955 |
| 2004-05 | MISL II | |
2nd MISL, 23-16 | Lost Championship | 3,639 |
Playoffs
1990-91MSL Eastern Division Finals: Defeated Kansas City Comets, 4-3
MSL Championship Series: Lost to San Diego Sockers, 4-2
1991-92
MSL Semifinals:Lost to Dallas Sidekicks, 4-2
1992-93
NPSL American Division Semifinals: Defeated Buffalo Blizzard, 2-1
NPSL American Division Finals: Defeated Harrisburg Heat, 2-1
NPSL Championship Series: Lost to Kansas City Attack, 3-2
1993-94
NPSL American Division Semifinals: Defeated Buffalo Blizzard, 2-1
NPSL American Division Finals: Defeated Harrisburg Heat, 2-1
NPSL Championship Series: Defeated St. Louis Ambush, 3-1
1994-95
NPSL American Division Semifinals: Defeated Buffalo Blizzard, 2-1
NPSL American Division Finals: Lost to Harrisburg Heat, 3-0
1995-96
NPSL American Division Semifinals: Defeated Buffalo Blizzard, 2-1
NPSL American Division Finals: Defeated Baltimore Spirit, 3-1
NPSL Championship Series: Defeated Kansas City Attack, 4-2
1996-97
NPSL American Conference Semifinals: Defeated Baltimore Spirit, 2-1
NPSL American Conference Finals: Defeated Harrisburg Heat, 3-1
NPSL Championship Series: Lost to Kansas City Attack, 4-0
1997-98
NPSL American Conference Semifinals: Lost to Philadelphia Kixx, 2-0
1998-99
NPSL American Conference Semifinals: Defeated Montreal Impact, 2-1
NPSL American Conference Finals: Defeated Philadelphia Kixx, 2-0
NPSL Championship Series: Defeated St. Louis Ambush, 3-2
1999-2000
NPSL American Conference Semifinals: Defeated Montreal Impact, 2-0
NPSL American Conference Finals: Defeated Baltimore Blast, 2-0
NPSL Championship Series: Lost to Milwaukee Wave, 3-2
2002-03
MISL Eastern Conference Semifinals: Lost to Baltimore Blast 1-0
2003-04
MISL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Lost to Dallas Sidekicks 1-0
2004-05
MISL Semifinals: Defeated Philadelphia Kixx 2-0
MISL Finals: Lost to Milwaukee Wave 2-0
External links
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6RvZ86wpIk Cleveland's first sports championship since the 1964 Browns