ACFC Head Coach Andy Hoggarth has high expectations for upcoming rivalry bout

Writer: Sideline and Beat Reporter, Cade Cracas

Akron, Ohio— Head Coach Andy Hoggarth is looking to see Akron City FC (ACFC) clash with a full head of steam this coming Saturday.

On Saturday, June 22, ACFC will pay host to the club's rival up north, Cleveland SC (CSC). The pair had taken on one another back in May, but with a brand new and solidified lineup, ACFC is looking for revenge.

 "I think any time you have a game which brings two cities together that are close to each other, that the game and atmosphere gets hyped up," Hoggarth said. "I think the entire squad and staff are driven to make sure we entertain our home crowd and make sure they enjoy Saturday evening."

This will be the seventh all-time meeting between the two sides in the Battle for I-77. When asked about the club's historical record against CSC, Hoggarth believes that the team has been putting in the work to not repeat prior results.

"We are definitely working hard to put in a good performance and come away with a positive result," He said. "I’d like to think I’ll be answering this question positively when I speak after the game on Saturday."

Fortunately, good results recently has paved the way for plenty of confidence for the players on the pitch. Through eight games this season, including the club's stint in the USASA Amateurs Cup, they have scored a breathtaking mark of 30 goals and allowed 18.

"Our guys have the mentality of putting the previous successes behind them and focusing on the next game and opponent," Hoggarth said. "We are putting a lot of positive things together and long may it continue."

Even though the team is thriving at a high level, Hoggarth wants his players to take things game-by-game and not get ahead of themselves.

ACFC and CSC will collide head-to-head this coming Saturday with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. EST from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.

"Every game between now and the end of season is huge," Hoggarth said. "I love the support we get from the city of Akron, so we are doing everything we can to ensure we not only get into the play offs for the first time but also get a home game for our supporters."

Tickets for the outing can be found at the link provided below:

https://tickets.passagesports.com/events/akroncityfc-2024/event_times