Aug. 23, 2005
Contact: Brian Wolff
MENTOR,Ohio - Three goals in five minutes was the difference in the Cleveland State Vikings' 4-2 exhibition loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers on Tuesday afternoon at Lost Nation Sports Park.
Pittsburgh jumped out to a 3-0 lead with two goals from Mike Cunha in the 17th and 19th minutes respectively. The Vikings would come back in the 46th minute on a goal from freshman Roshard Gilbert, who took a pass from sophomore Tom Sadd and scored from six yards out.
Cleveland State got their second marker of the game in the 51st minute, as sophomore Nick Weiner redirected a Jim Stannard header and put it past the Pittsburgh goalkeeper. The Panthers would add a goal in the 56th minute to regain a two-goal lead.
"The most pleasing thing today was the way our guys came back after we were down early," head coach Pete Curtis said. "For the second straight game we started nine first year guys and their character really showed after we were down."
The Vikings, who were outshot 17-6, received good minutes from all three goalkeepers who combined to make eight saves on the day, including four from freshman Anthony DeMarco.
"The guys showed that they were flexible and able to adapt to their opponent," Curtis said. "Any time we play Pittsburgh they give us an exceptional level of play, which our guys learn from."
Cleveland State will resume practice in preparation for their season opener on Sep. 2.
"These last two matches were great exercises for the players," Curtis said. "It helps get them into game form and ready for the regular season."
The regular season kicks off with a trip to the Buffalo Fall Classic where the Vikings will play Canisius on Friday, Sep. 2 at 5:00 p.m.
