Photo by Dan Hickling

FC Buffalo scored early, only to let lost focus in the final minute of the first half cost them full points against AFC Cleveland in front of 900-plus supporters at the home opener at the Demske Sports Complex on Sunday with a 1-1 tie.

Bobby Ross rose to head Russell Cicerone’s corner kick home in the 24th minute, and Buffalo was on a roll. But they couldn’t find a second goal despite controlling the first half until longtime nemesis Vinny Bell found Royals striker Adam Mitchell to make it 1-1.

Both teams had plenty of second-half chances, with Cleveland almost finding several winners late if not for the stellar play of Ross and goalkeeper Waleed Cassis. Both shared Rich Products Men of the Match honors.

Niagara University goalkeeper Spencer Semple made a series of splendid saves for AFC Cleveland, which was led in shots by Antonio Manfut (7) and Smart Osadolor (5).

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