Aug. 22, 2006
Contact: Brian McCann
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Freshman Andrew Gutting scored both of Cleveland State's goals as the Vikings won their last tune-up for the regular season, 2-1, over Notre Dame College (OH) on Tuesday morning at Krenzler Field. Cleveland State finished the exhibition portion of its slate 2-0.
Gutting put CSU on top at the 43:32 mark off a cross from sophomore Nenad Stojkovic, 10 yards from the goal. Gutting would add an insurance goal for the Vikings at the 50:50 mark off an assist from junior David Stewart.
"I was happy with today's effort," head coach Ali Kazemaini said. "There were times when we were playing the kind of soccer we want to play and the goals were a result of our strong play."
Notre Dame College's Nick Jordan fired a header to the back of the net at the 60:23 mark five yards out from the right side to cut the Vikings' lead to 2-1, but that is all the Falcons could muster on offense all day. The tough CSU defense stifled Notre Dame, allowing just five shots, three of those on goal.
"We defended really well today," Kazemaini said. "We did allow one goal today but our defense has been strong."
The Viking freshmen made a good showing, as George Kephart posted a game-high four shots, including two on goal. Gutting registered three shots and another freshman, Marco DiFranco, totaled two. Dan Duric played the second half in goal, posting two saves while allowing a goal.
"Our freshmen are going to have to play well for us," Kazemaini said. "We started six freshmen today, and we may start more on Friday. It is going to be a tough test for us."
The Vikings open the regular season this Friday (Aug. 25) at Krenzler Field against defending Northeast Conference champion Robert Morris. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
