CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland State men's soccer team won its third straight game on Saturday night, topping Belmont 1-0.
The Vikings improved to 6-6-1 (2-3-1) while the Bruins dropped to 3-10-1 (1-4-0). The win was the 250th career win for CSU head coach Ali Kazemaini and gave the Vikings a slight 3-2 all-time series advantage over the Bruins.
Though a relatively quiet first half, the Vikings controlled the play and led shots by more than double at the break. Alec Nagucki and Brent Nanchoff, appearing in his first career game for the Vikings, both had near-goals in the period.
In the second half, the Vikings continued their press forward and finally struck the goal at the 65:49 mark. In a scramble, it was Victor Zamora who finished a touch from Alec Nagucki for his second goal of the season.
The rocket to the right corner from Zamora was not all the Vikings needed, though, as Aleksandar Drobac made a spectacular one-handed diving save in the 81st minute off a shot by Belmont's Rashad Hyancenth.
For the second straight game, the Viking defense of James Milli, Sergio Manesio, Kareem Banton and Mustafa Raychouni held strong for a shutout.
Kevin Blackwood led the Vikings in shots with five. Though none found the back, Blackwood had three different shots off post. Jake Lagania, Hesham Hammouda, Zamora, Nagucki, Banton and Nanchoff had the other shots for CSU, totaling 12 for the night.
Drobac improved to 4-2-1 in goal while Belmont's Grayson Rector dropped to 2-6-1.
The Vikings will head to Columbus for their final non-conference matchup of the season at Ohio State on Wednesday (Oct.21) at 7:00 p.m. The following Saturday, CSU will host Milwaukee in their final game at Krenzler Field this season at 1:00 p.m.
