Aug. 20, 2011
Contact: Tim Ertle
CLEVELAND, Ohio - In a game that was more about fitness and working out the kinks, the Cleveland State men's soccer team played to a 1-1 tie with the visitng Cincinnati Bearcats.
The Viking coaching staff knew it would be a physical test for their team, and indeed it was. As was the case in their exhibition opener on Wednesday (Aug. 17), the Vikings allowed a late goal to close the first half.
With just over a minute remaining in the opening half, Cincinnati's Wyatt Stephens lofted a pass for Leon Powell who did the rest. He lined one just under the crossbar and over the outstretched arms of junior goalkeeper Brad Stuver to give Cincinnati their lone goal of the afternoon.
CSU answered the bell 15 minutes into the second half. Junior Aaron Adkins had a good look from inside the box, and after his shot deflected off the post right to freshman Mike Derezic. The rookie slammed it home to tie the score at one.
The physical game - which was agreed to go just 90 minutes before kickoff - saw 23 fouls get called. Cleveland State was whistled for 12 fouls while Cincinnati claimed 11.
CSU will get their season started for real on Saturday (Aug. 27) when they go on the road to take on Akron, the defending national champion.
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