Force Is Not With Lazers as Cleveland Wins, 4-3

Although the Lazers are again struggling in the Major Indoor Soccer League, they can be thankful they don’t have to play the Cleveland Force again until next year.

Saturday night, before a Forum crowd of 5,068, the Lazers were able to take their long-time nemesis into overtime, only to lose, 4-3, as Cleveland defender John Stollmeyer scored one minute into the extra period.

The loss was the Lazers’ 12th in 13 games. The Force (21-9), winners of all three meetings between the teams this season, is now 15-1 in their series against the Lazers.

“We gave up some bad goals,” said Lazer Coach Keith Tozer, whose team slipped to 7-22 for the season. “We lost on mental mistakes.”

Tim Harris, starting in place of David Brcic in goal, should take some of the responsibility.

With the score tied, 1-1, Cleveland jumped ahead with 31 seconds left in the third quarter when Benny Dargle kicked a 50-foot shot that got by Harris.

Kai Haaskivi made it 3-1 Cleveland 4:17 into the fourth quarter when he beat defender Erhardt Kapp and dribbled the ball between Harris’ legs.

The Lazers tied the game at 3-3 on goals by Beto and Willie Molano.