CLEVELAND — The Wolstein Center is transforming into an indoor soccer facility this week in preparation to host the Major League Indoor Soccer Finals in April. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Major League Indoor Soccer Finals will be held from April 11-April 13 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland

  • The MLIS Finals will be the largest professional indoor soccer event in Cleveland since the original Cleveland Crunch era 20 years ago 

  • The Cleveland Crunch is looking to win the franchise's sixth championship at this year's MLIS Finals 
  • Tickets for the finals can be purchased here

“To be able to put on a great show for the city of Cleveland that indoor soccer fans have been waiting for,” Cleveland Crunch owner and managing partner Luciano Ruscitto said. “I think it’s going to be a great thing for the city.” 

The original Cleveland Crunch franchise played its last game in 2005, but a revamped franchise is back in Cleveland, playing here since 2021. Owner Luciano Ruscitto and other front office members say hosting the MLIS finals will help the franchise grow its fanbase and soccer in Northeast Ohio and have a positive impact on the city. 

“It’s been 20 years almost since indoor soccer’s been at the Wolstein Center,” Ruscitto said. “From the Crunch and the Force of the early days, we know that was super exciting for Cleveland sports fans.”

“I think this is going to give an opportunity for other fans that have not seen the Crunch in the last five years and have not been a part of the two championships we’ve won since we’ve been back,” said Cleveland Crunch director of sales Ryan Ruiz. “I think it’s going to open a lot of eyes and show fans that the Cleveland Crunch are back.” 

The Crunch is hoping to win its sixth championship at the MLIS finals next month. The players say they can’t wait for the opportunity to play on a bigger stage.

“It’s going to be huge for us,” defender Omar Najjar said. “We have a big following already, and it’s only going to keep growing with events like this. Our fans are everything.”

“We grew up watching the Cleveland Crunch and the Cleveland Force in venues like this and kind of dreaming at playing like a place like this with fans behind us,” goalkeeper and Parma native Scot Santa said. 

Forward Ma’Cain Spragling said for some players, it’s the reason they play.

“The city has a rich history of indoor soccer,” said Spragling. “Being able to come back downtown in this arena is just everything for us and the organization as well.”  

Bernie Lilavois is the commissioner of Major League Indoor Soccer and said the city of Cleveland and the Crunch organization were easy choices to showcase the league’s postseason in 2025. 

“The growth they’ve shown is amazing. We want to reward them for the hard work that they’ve put into the community and putting a winning product on the field. To showcase our final event here in Cleveland with a packed house is going to be amazing.” 

The Major League Indoor Soccer Finals are set for April 11-13 at the Wolstein Center. The Crunch will play in one of the first semifinals on April 11th. 

To purchase tickets to the MLIS finals, click here.