Cleveland, Ohio – The Cleveland State University men's soccer team took the lead in the sixth minute and made that tally stand up for the remainder of the match in a 1-0 win over UIC in a Horizon League contest at a pleasant Krenzler Field Saturday evening.
With the three points, CSU moved from sixth place in the League table up into a tie for third. The victory was also the sixth for the Vikings in their past seven matches against UIC.
Sophomore Gianluca DiFranco netted his first tally of the season, the third of his career, as rookie Sebastian Kalk picked up his second consecutive shutout in between the pipes.
It didn't take long for the Vikings to pull ahead Saturday night. Junior Kevin Blackwood had the game's first shot on goal, which was saved, in the fourth minute, but he would soon be involved again.
In the sixth minute, freshman Lawrence Karpeh displayed a high work rate that led to the goal. The rookie fought off double teams by the Flames near the edge of the area. He was finally able to work free and play an aerial cross from the edge of the box near the touch line. Blackwood was able to get his head on the ball and tried to direct it toward goal, but UIC was able to block the initial shot. However, DiFranco pounced on the rebound and one-timed the deflection hard and low, tucking it into the left corner.
In the 12th minute, senior captain Sergio Manesio hustled back to block a potentially dangerous shot by a UIC's Oscar Rivero, who looked for a moment to have gotten in behind the defense. Just over four minutes later, UIC crossed the ball from the right flank to the left side of the box. Max Todd tried to deflect it in with a one-timer, but Kalk stonewalled the shot after charging to cut down the angle.
Kalk made a strong punching save in the 23rd minute on a hard shot that came from inside the edge of the 18-yard box.
Not long after entering as a substitute, junior Hesham Hammouda appeared to be dragged down inside the box in the 27th minute, but penalty appeals were not given. The teams played out the rest of the first half without either team having a great look at goal.
The second half was a more physical stanza as four cards were handed out and 12 total fouls committed.
Junior Kareem Banton made a nice, overlapping run in the 64th minute and sent a dangerous, low cross into the box that very well may have resulted in a goal if not for a very fine clearance by a Flames defender over the crossbar.
UIC did have some shot attempts in the second half, but it was often not able to direct them on target, partially due to the fact that it often tried attempts from distance.
The Flames' only shot on goal in the second half came in the 90th minute. Max Todd tried a looping, left-footed shot from just outside the 18-yard box, but it was rather comfortable save for Kalk, whose greatest challenge may have been seeing through all the traffic in front of him. That save from Kalk all but sealed the victory for the hosts.
Kalk made five saves in the victory while Blackwood netted his second helper of the season.
CSU had a slim, 6-5, edge in shots on goal and also had the upper hand in corner kicks, 7-4.
Cleveland State will remain at home this Tuesday, Oct. 18, as it plays its non-conference finale against Pittsburgh at 7:00 p.m.
