MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Cleveland State men's soccer team opened Horizon League play with a 3-1 victory at Milwaukee on Saturday night at Engelmann Field.

CSU improved to 3-5 overall and 1-0 in league play, while the Panthers dropped to 3-5-1 and 0-1 in the Horizon League.

CSU took the lead at the 23:27 mark with a goal by Alvaro Pichardo and an assist from Hesham Hammouda. Pichardo, who scored his second goal of the season, volleyed a close range ball that was headed off the line.

The Vikings extended their lead to 2-0 with just under five minutes left in the half when Alec Nagucki scored the first goal of his career off assists from Mike Derezic and Alex Obbey.

Alec Nagucki also scored his first goal of the season with an assist from Mike Derezic just before the half ended.

Nick Ciraldo, who was given the night off to rest on Wednesday at Cincinnati, recorded six saves to earn the win for CSU.

The Vikings are back in action on Saturday (Oct. 4) when CSU closes its eight match road trip with a 3:00 p.m. EST contest at Belmont.