Nashville, Tenn. – The Cleveland State University men's soccer team dominated the first half but would score both of its goals in the second stanza en route to a 2-1 victory at Belmont in each team's Horizon League opener Saturday evening at a mostly sunny E.S. Rose Park.

Senior Dan Koniarczyk and junior Hesham Hammouda each scored their second goal of the season to stake the Vikings to a 2-0 lead before the hosts got a goal back late on in the match.

CSU entirely dominated the first half, as it outshot the Bruins 19-2, but would not be rewarded with a lead at the intermission.

The first threatening chance for the Vikings came from a Hammouda blast that went high in the seventh minute. Classmate Jake Lagania forced a diving save from the keeper in the 14th minute with a left-footed strike from just outside the 18-yard box.

Sophomore Noah Pio again forced Belmont keeper Mertcan Akar into a diving stop with an effort in the 27th minute. CSU's best chance may have come when junior Kevin Blackwood lined up a free kick from near a corner of the 18-yard box, but his shot rattled the post.

Freshman Gabriel Pewu would alter the course of the match just 65 seconds after entering early in the second half as a substitute. Pewu drew a penalty kick in the 52nd minute, and Koniarczyk converted the opportunity to give the Vikings a deserved lead.

After falling behind, Belmont begin to press forward more, looking to level the match. However, the Vikings would get a key second goal in the 82nd minute.

Not long after a throw-in from the right sideline, Pio emerged with the ball from a group of players and dribbled horizontally into the 18-yard box. He then sent a pass to the center of the pitch, where Hammouda gathered it and calmly sent it into the left corner of the net.

Belmont would make things interesting in the 87th minute when it was granted a free kick just outside the box on a foul away from the play. The ensuing free kick nailed the left post, but it rebounded to a Bruin, who was able to slot it home.

Cleveland State was able to see out the match in the final few minutes to earn all three points on the road.

CSU outshot the Bruins, 28-10, including a 13-3 advantage in shots on goal. CSU also held an 11-1 lead on corner kicks.

Freshman Sebastian Kalk earned his second win of the season in between the pipes. Pio's assist was his first point as a Viking.

After winning their conference opener Saturday, the Vikings will remain on the road Wednesday as they play at Cincinnati.