Akron City FC Moves On in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

CLEVELAND, OH — Akron City FC claimed a decisive 2–0 victory over Cleveland SC on Sunday night in its U.S. Open Cup debut, powered by second-half goals from captain Jannis Schmidt and newcomer Cole Werthmuller.

Despite the result, the first half carried its share of drama. In the 42nd minute Akron City earned a penalty kick, but Jannis Schmidt pulled his shot just wide left, keeping the score level at halftime. For most of the opening half, play stayed deep in Cleveland’s half, with Akron dictating tempo and possession. Cleveland managed a few promising counterattacks, but each was calmly thwarted by Akron’s back line of Quinn Groves, Will Wagner and Omar Najjar and goalkeeper Zoltan Nagy.

Akron City finally broke through in the 67th minute, when Schmidt redeemed himself in style, making a brilliant 50 yard run through the midfield before finishing coolly to give Akron the 1–0 lead.

In the 81st minute, Werthmuller sealed the victory with a highlight-reel strike from 25 yards out, curling a rocket into the upper corner beyond the outstretched arms of Cleveland’s standout goalkeeper Ty Bowden. Bowden’s heroic performance prevented the scoreline from growing even larger, with several point-blank saves that kept Cleveland in contention.

After the match, Akron City head coach Andy Hoggarth praised both his squad’s teamwork and Bowden’s individual brilliance: “Ty Bowden was outstanding tonight, he probably kept it from being five or six to nothing,” Hoggarth said. “But I loved how our team played together. Everyone fought for each other, and that’s what it takes to win games like this.”

Nagy and the Akron back line earned a well-deserved clean sheet, closing out a disciplined performance that showcased the club’s depth and defensive organization.

With the win, Akron City FC advances to the next round of U.S. Open Cup qualifying.  The club has been awarded a home match, which will either be played on Saturday November 1st or Sunday November 2nd.  The opponent will be revealed this Thursday, October 16th.  Stay tuned for the clubs formal announcement, including ticket and sponsorship details.  With two more victories, the club would advance to the US Open Cup Proper which will kick off in March 2026.

Finally, for the ACFC fans who turned out in force, the trip up the I-77 corridor was well worth it and adds yet another memorable chapter in Akron City’s growing story.