The Vortex struggled in the regular season, posting a 1–15 record, and failed to advance to the postseason. The team won only one game, against the Illinois Piasa, before dropping the final 13 matches giving the franchise the longest losing streak in the league this season. The franchise struggled off the field as well, drawing only an average of 210 fans per home game, besting just the two Arizona-based teams. The Ohio club's abrupt relocation from Canton 60 miles northwest to Oberlin just before the start of the season then again 30 miles east to Medina after the second home game likely contributed to the team's box office issues. The Vortex participated in the 2012–13 United States Open Cup for Arena Soccer. They received a bye in the Wild Card round then lost to the Detroit Wazain the Round of 16, ending their tournament run.
Off-field moves
Founded in 2008, the Ohio Vortex began play in the 2009–10 season at the Cleveland Metroplex Events Center in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, before settling into the Canton Civic Center in Canton, Ohio. The team, an original member of the Professional Arena Soccer League, followed in the footsteps of the Canton Invaders, a team in the National Professional Soccer League that called Canton home from 1984 through 1996. On October 26, 2012, one week before the start of the season, the team announced it was moving from Canton to Oberlin, Ohio, for the 2012–13 season and would play their home games at the Gameday Sports Center. After the first two home games, the team relocated to the Pinnacle Sports Complex in Medina, Ohio. On March 14, 2013, the team began selling off its game uniforms and pre-game warmup shirts via its official Facebook page. The team's official website was taken down in June 2013.
Roster moves
On November 20, 2012, Vortex goalkeeper Mike Mason was named PASL Player of the Week for his role in the team winning its first game of the 2012–13 season. Mason's 18 saves in a 7–0 win against Illinois Piasa constituted the fifth shutout in league history and first since February 2011. On December 5, 2012, the Vortex announced the signing of midfielder Joe Salem. An Akron, Ohio, native with professional experience on the Puerto Rico Islanders of the North American Soccer League, Salem is also an assistant coach at Highland High School.
Schedule
Regular season
† Game also counts for US Open Cup, as listed in chart below. § Team began season at Gameday Sports Center; relocated to Pinnacle Sports Complex for final six home games.
