Highland Heights – The Kings Hammer FC men’s home opener against Cleveland Force SC ended in a draw, 1-1. After falling behind early in the second half, Kings Hammer FC was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. KHFC forward Brock Kiper stepped up to the spot, scoring the goal to tie the game. 

Fans anticipated an exciting match yesterday between the two Valley Division teams. Last season, Cleveland Force SC finished 2nd in the division and made it to the first round of the USL League 2 playoffs representing the Central Conference before falling 5-1 against Chicago City. Ahead of the 2024 USL League Two season, both clubs are hopeful on making the playoffs come the end of the regular season.

The match was steady in the first half, with both teams having consistent possession of the ball. Kings Hammer’s left winger Alan Kapic took a strong shot on goal in the 10th minute, but was blocked by Cleveland’s Zoltan Nagy. The match stayed back and forth respectfully, until Kings Hammer’s Ekene Okeke was issued a yellow card in the 26th minute for rough foul. Both teams held their own as the first half came to a close, 0-0. 

The second half picked up as both teams came on to the pitch eager to score. In the 48th minute, Jack Moxom had an incredible save to hold off Cleveland as their forward took a shot at goal. Cleveland made up for the blocked shot in the 80th minute as forward Ryan Sanborn secured the team their first goal of the season with an assist from Cole Werthmuller. Despite the heat, ticking game clock, and a man down, a foul in the box granted KHFC a chance to come back. Kiper took the penalty kick which tied the game for KHFC in the 84th minute.  

Ahead of their next match against reigning Valley Division Champions, Fort Wayne SC, Kings Hammer FC head coach, Paul Nicholson spoke on the importance of strengthening the backline.

“Fort Wayne are an extremely strong team…they’re always right at the top of the league and one of the best teams in USL [League 2] so from that standpoint we obviously want to be preparing to try and make sure that our defensive shape is quality…that we add layers to what we’ve already worked on over the past 9 days. We’ll see what happens on Wednesday but I’m positive for this group to get a result.”

Our USL League 2 boys will face Fort Wayne SC this Wednesday, May 22nd at Scudamore Field in Highland Heights, KY. Kickoff is set for 7pm. Streaming information will be available prior to game day. Tickets are available at https://tickets.passagesports.com/venues/7590.

KINGS HAMMER FC’S USL LEAGUE 2 TEAM REPORT
Cleveland Force SC at Kings Hammer FC
Date: 5/18/24
Competition: USL League 2
Venue: Scudamore Field
Attendance: 82
Kickoff: 2pm
Weather: 77 degrees, clear and sunny

SCORING SUMMARY: 
CLE: 0-0-1
KHFC: 0-0-1

CLE - Ryan Sanborn 79’

KHFC – Brock Kiper 84’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
KHFC – Okeke (Yellow Card) 24’
KHFC – Murphy (Yellow Card) 86’

OFFICIALS 

Referee: Gustavo Tumero
Ast. Referees: Aaron Westerfield, Sean Westerfield
Fourth Official: Alex Colinique