We’re baaaaackkk!

And we hope you will be, too. For a fun night recalling memories and forging new ones at a combined indoor soccer reunion of the Canton Invaders and Cleveland Crunch.

It will be a gala “Night of Soccer Legends” on May 24th at Goodyear Hall in Akron, conveniently located for fans from Canton and Cleveland to once again share the celebration of good times.

Forty years can’t diminish the impact – and fun – the Invaders gave to area sports fans when they were born in 1984. Five championships in six years made a lot of memories.

Five years later, in another league, the Crunch was born. They made six championship-game trips in 10 years – winning three of them on national TV. The first title came in 1994, so this event also marks the 30th anniversary of Hector Marinaro’s epic goal that night in double overtime in perhaps the most exciting game in the sport’s history.

Marinaro and Zoran Karic, the legendary “Dynamic Duo” who shattered every scoring record and established others will be there. So will goalkeeper Otto Orf and many other Crunch favorites. The host Invaders will bring back many favorites, including Walt Schlothauer, Denzil Antonio and Kia, the one-named wonder with the multiple-goal skills.

“I really look forward to this reunion game as both Canton Invaders and Cleveland Crunch have a special place in my heart and 18-year career,” said Kia. “Canton was instrumental in giving me a chance as an 18-year-old and I finished the last four years of my career with Cleveland. I was fortunate enough to win championships with both teams.” 

Marinaro is excited, too. “I can’t wait,” said the man who still holds nearly every scoring record in the sport. “What a great chance to get back with my teammates and the Invaders, many of whom are great friends despite our rivalry on the field.

“Most of all, we are doing this for charity. We all want to give back to the community that was there for us, night-in, night-out.”

All proceeds benefit the HandsOnSports Foundation. The organization, founded by Orf, is dedicated to making sports accessible to all children, regardless of their circumstances.

“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play a sport they enjoy,”Orf said. “We are committed to improving a child’s quality of life by providing instruction, equipment, and access to sports.”

Since its inception in 2009, the foundation has worked to uplift underprivileged, needy, and at-risk children who may not otherwise be able to participate in sports activities.

The foundation’s commitment to their cause has earned them a 3/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator, further cementing their status as a trustworthy organization that is doing.