Match Preview: Bridge City FC vs. Cleveland Crunch

Bridge City FC returns home to Sewickley Sports Arena this Saturday, January 17th, for a highly anticipated North Conference showdown against the undefeated Cleveland Crunch. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM, and the matchup carries both playoff implications and historic significance as the first indoor soccer meeting between Pittsburgh and Cleveland in over 35 years.

Bridge City enters the contest with a 2-1 record, currently sitting fourth in the North Conference with 6 points. Despite a strong start to the season, head coach Travis MacKenzie’s side knows it will face its toughest test yet against a Cleveland squad that has been nothing short of dominant through its first three matches.

The Crunch arrive in second place in the North with a perfect 3-0 record and nine points. Cleveland boasts one of the most explosive attacks in the league, having netted an eye-popping 45 goals in just three games. Their high-powered offense will challenge Bridge City’s defensive structure and goalkeeping from the opening whistle.

Offensively, Bridge City has been led by Jamie Luchini, who sits atop the team with 10 points (7 goals, 3 assists). Shearer has also been instrumental in the attack, tallying six points through three matches with two goals and four assists. Supporting contributors include Louis Newell, Josh DiMatteo, Nate Dragisich, Josh Luchini, and Gabe Norris, all of whom have recorded at least two points on the season.

The home side will receive a boost with the return of Marquis Flowers-Gamboa and Javier Morejon, both of whom missed last week’s match but are set to rejoin the lineup. However, Bridge City will be without defender Stefan Lundberg, who will miss Saturday’s contest due to injury.

New signing Austin Rocke is slated to make his debut for Bridge City FC, adding fresh energy and depth to the roster. Between the pipes, Grant Glorioso will make his fourth consecutive start. The goalkeeper has been a bright spot this season, amassing 60 saves through three matches.

Beyond the standings, Saturday’s matchup carries extra meaning for both cities. Pittsburgh and Cleveland share a long-standing sports rivalry, and this marks the first indoor soccer meeting between the two since the late 1980s—a milestone moment for the regional soccer community.

Tickets remain available, but a sellout crowd is expected as Bridge City looks to protect home turf and make a statement against one of the league’s elite teams.