CHiCAGO, Ill. - The Cleveland State men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 overtime heartbreaker to Oakland on Thursday night, ending their season at 9-8-2.
In a rematch of the 2014 Horizon League semifinals, the wind and field conditions at Flames Field in Chicago kept both teams on edge.
Without Jake Lagania (illness) for the first time in 37 games, the Vikings were forced to search for options elsewhere. Sylvester Messiah earned the start in his place.
In the first 15 minutes, the Vikings rattled off two shots, one apiece from Gianluca DiFranco and Hesham Hammouda, but both sailed just off the target. They also added a shot on goal from Sergio Manesio off a free kick in the 36th minute.
At the break, Oakland led shots 6-3 and shots on goal, 2-1. The Vikings had 2 corner kicks to none for Oakland.
In the second half, both teams continued to search for the game-winner. While Oakland had a few solid chances, Cleveland State found itself in a golden opportunity with just under five minutes left. DiFranco took a slipped ball in the box and put a rocket on target, but the Oakland keeper did his job. On the rebound, DiFranco was able to rattle off another, but it too fell short.
For the seventh time in the last eight games, the Cleveland State defense held the opposition scoreless in regulation. Aleksandar Drobac, who finishes the season at 7-4-2 in goal, had a solid line in front of him of Sergio Manesio, James Milli, Mustafa Raychouni and a mix of Antonio Burgoa and Kevin Blackwood. Kareem Banton, who would have held down the fourth spot, was unable to go due to an injury he took in the Vikings' first round game against Detroit.
