Coming off a historic season for John Carroll University Men’s Soccer Team, Aidan Bozak ‘24 knows he has much more to prove during his soccer career. 

The sophomore native of Bay Village, Ohio, has now entered his first season with the Cleveland Crunch and is grateful for the opportunity. 

The Cleveland Crunch is a Major Arena Soccer League team that competes in the Great Lakes Division against 13 teams across the country. 

The team plays their home games at the Soccer Sportsplex in North Olmsted, Ohio. During the fall 2021 season, Bozak played in 12 games for the Blue Streaks, tallying 4 shots and playing an overall 257 minutes for his second season.

 In Bozak’s first six games with the Cleveland Crunch, he has recorded 4 shots. 

For the midfielder, this experience is nothing new. 

“The transition was pretty easy,” Bozak said.“It definitely took a little bit to get used to the different style of play, but I’ve grown up playing indoor in the winters, so it wasn’t too bad.” 

As time progressed for the young player, he is grateful for the experience that the team has provided him. 

“At practice, the guys have really welcomed me in as one of their own as soon as I got there by pushing me to be the best player I can be,” Bozak emphasizes. “At games, the atmosphere is crazy with a packed arena. Having actual fans that want to get my autograph or take a picture with me is super cool.”

The Cleveland Crunch is off to a hot start this season, sitting at No.1 in the Great Lakes Division with a perfect record of 5-0. 

The biggest takeaway from Bozak while playing with the Crunch is what he has learned from current John Carroll Men’s Soccer Head Coach Dejan Mladenovic from playing as a Blue Streak. 

“Deki has used the word ‘mentality’ countless times since I’ve been here,” Bozak said. “Just being positive while also having that aggression and fighting to do whatever it takes to win and do the best I can while working the hardest I can will definitely help me at the next level.” 

 Mladenovic is all in on Bozak getting the chance to play for the Crunch, as he thinks it will help Bozak with his career moving forward. 

“Aidan’s invitation to sign with the Crunch is a great opportunity to play at a high level with veteran teammates against great competition across the country,” added Mladenovic. “Playing with and against more experienced players is always something we promote and support. I’m very excited to see the progress Aidan makes when he rejoins our team at JCU.” 

This has been quite the soccer journey for the young Blue Streak as Bozak continues to take the next steps in his career. 

Bozak and the Cleveland Crunch will look to keep the momentum rolling on their home turf as they take on the Muskegon Risers on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.