Record Crowd Watches Vortex Fall in Tense Match

Jan. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- The Ohio Vortex (PASL-Pro) set a franchise record for attendance in their first game of the New Year despite falling to the surging Detroit Waza (5-2).  

It would take an overtime goal by defender Costea Decu to push the Waza to an 11-10 victory over the Vortex, who are now 2-5.  It was an exciting evening that featured two shootout goals, an overtime period, and a great atmosphere created by fans.

“Every goal we scored the crowd was louder and louder,” Vortex midfielder Steve Gillespie said. They were overpowering the music at times. It was a great atmosphere; I think a lot of people had fun.”

Ohio’s Eric Sebor and Detroit’s Kris Lyons both finished with 15 saves, while Vortex defender Jared Dombroski led all players with 3 blocks.  Allen Eller continued to lead the attack for Ohio, finishing with 5 goals and 1 assist. Decu led the Waza with 4 goals, 1 assist, and 2 blocks.

Columbus Crew defender Josh Williams ended up being the star of the evening.  Williams signed autographs, took pictures with fans, and served as a celebrity coach for a halftime match.  “It’s good coming in and helping raise money for the schools,” Williams commented. “It was a fun night. I had fun; I hope everyone else did.”

Even though the Vortex lost, the North Canton City Schools and the Osnaburg Local Schools were the real winners as they received proceeds from each ticket sold.  This reinforces the club’s commitment to charities and non-profits, particularly school districts in Northeastern Ohio.

The Vortex will hit the road to face the Illinois Piasa on January 15 before heading back home to face CMISL side the Winnipeg Alliance on January 22.

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International Soccer Network is a news agency based in Northeastern Ohio that provides coverage of international soccer via an online format.