Cleveland Crunch Announces Coaching Change Ahead of 2023-24 MLIS Season

Cleveland, Ohio — The Cleveland Crunch has announced that Benny Dargle will not return as head coach for the 2023-24 Major League Indoor Soccer (MLIS) season. The decision was reached mutually, as the organization plans to transition Dargle into an advisory role.

In his lone season as head coach, Dargle led the Crunch to a commendable 10-4 record overall and an appearance in the MLIS semifinal, where the team fell 8-7 to the top-seeded Omaha Kings.

In a statement made to the team last week, Dargle is optimistic and excited about his new role and the future of the organization. “Due to work and club soccer commitments I will not be returning to coach the Cleveland Crunch for the 2023-2024 season. I want to thank the Crunch management for their support last season, as well as the players and the fans for making it a special year. There were some great moments, but we fell a little short of our goal. The team needs a fully committed coach to lead them for next year and beyond. I will still be involved with the team in a yet-to-be-determined role involving community and/or player development. The Crunch has a special following in Northeast Ohio, and we are looking forward to making next year better than ever.“

“The Cleveland Crunch greatly appreciates Benny Dargle for all his efforts and endeavors to the organization, team and fans for the 2022-23 season," said Luciano Ruscitto, Cleveland Crunch President and General Manager. "We are looking forward to continuing to work with him in an advisory role.” 

The organization plans to announce more information and details regarding the head coaching position within the coming weeks.