The Cleveland City Stars became the first of the new USL-2 clubs to gain points in the new season, with a 2-1 victory over in-state rival Cincinnati. After a scoreless first half, Cleveland was awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute after a Sam Fiore foul on Ian Liebbrandt in the penalty area. The foul also earned Fiore a red card, leaving the Kings with 10 men. Former King Jack Cummings converted the spot kick for a 1-0 lead. Cincinnati quickly replied on a Romain Cherulin goal four minutes later, assisted by Rainy Florent. Cleveland City notched the deciding goal 13 minutes from full-time, this time courtesy of former Harrisburg City Islander Derek Potteiger. The loss puts Cincinnati at 0-2, and looking at an uphill climb to avoid becoming one of the two USL-2 clubs to miss the cup.

Match Report : Cincinnati Kings

A night after falling to Charlotte 2-0, the Western Pass Pioneers chalked up their first points of the season with a 2-1 victory at Wilmington. The Hammerheads opened the scoring just after halftime with a goal from Luke Ibetson, off an assist from Jeff Hughes. Twenty minutes later, Omar McFarlane drew the scoreline level for the Pioneers. Everson Maciel gave the Ludlow, Mass. side the lead for good in the 77th minute. The three points pull Western Mass up to 50%, while the loss leaves Wilmington at 16% after two matches for each club.

In Richmond, New Hampshire got off to an undesirable start as the defending champion Kickers whipped the visiting Phantoms 4-0. 2006 USL-2 MVP Robert Ssejjemba scored twice for the Kickers, and Trey Alexander and Matt Watson added to the tally. New Hampshire nearly took an early 1-0 lead, but goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale pushed Almir Barbosa’s one on one challenge just over the end line. With a 3-0 lead in hand, Pascale survived two attempts from Tyler Jackson by deflecting shots over the crossbar.

Match Report : Richmond Kickers