Cleveland Crunch Defeat Chicago PAO 14–2, Punch Ticket to MLIS Championship Game

In front of a lively home crowd at the Wolstein Center on Friday night, the Cleveland Crunch delivered a commanding performance, defeating Chicago PAO by a final score of 14–2 to secure their place in the Major League Indoor Soccer Championship.

From the opening whistle, the Crunch controlled the game on both sides of the ball. Jannis Schmidt opened the scoring just 3:29 into the first period, igniting a surge that saw Cleveland put up nine goals by halftime. Contributions came from all over the field, with Omar Najjar (2 goals, 2 assists), Admir Suljevic (hat trick), and Gabriel Pewu (hat trick) leading the charge.

The second half was more of the same as the Crunch kept their foot on the gas. Bryan Kern, Ryan Minick, and Ma’Cain Spragling added to the tally, while Cleveland’s back line and goalkeeping unit shut down PAO’s offense at every turn. Gabriel Pewu’s standout performance earned him MetroHealth Man of the Match honors. 

This victory marks the Cleveland Crunch’s 11th finals appearance in franchise history and the 4th since the team’s return to play in 2020. With five championships already under their belt, the Crunch now look to make history with a sixth title—and their first back-to-back championship run.

The Crunch will face the Amarillo Bombers on Sunday, April 13 at 5:00 PM at the Wolstein Center in the MLIS Championship Game.

Cleveland, this is your moment. Pack the Wolstein. Bring the energy. Let’s finish the job.
🎟️ Get your championship tickets now at https://www.ticketmaster.com/mlis-mens-final-cleveland-ohio-04-13-2025/event/05006231CD284F42.