Oct. 20, 2004
Contact: David Barry
Mentor - David Stewart gave the Vikings an early lead with an unassisted goal four minutes into the match, but Detroit came back to score four unanswered goals as Cleveland State fell, 4-1, to the Titans on Senior Night at Mentor High School. It was Stewart's second goal in three games.
"We are bitterly disappointed with the result today," coach Pete Curtis commented after the match. "The first half was a microcosm of our season - we controlled the vast majority of play, created numerous opportunities, and wasted most of them. Subsequently, the game was tied at halftime when we should have had a comfortable lead. It enabled Detroit to get back into the game, and, to their credit, they walk away today as deserved winners."
Stewart's goal put Cleveland State (5-8-2, 0-4-1) on top early, and came unassisted in the fifth minute. He gathered a loose ball that had been inadvertently headed down by a Detroit player and finished the breakaway past the Titan's diving keeper.
As the first half approached the midway point, the Vikings held a 9-0 shot advantage and had created numerous opportunities. Unfortunately for Cleveland State, the team's next shot wouldn't come until 11 minutes into the second half.
"The lesson learned tonight is that when you're in control, you must capitalize on opportunities created," Curtis remarked. "If you do not, any team at this level will remain a threat. And we must credit Detroit for their performance tonight."
The Titans (10-4, 4-2) got goals in the 40th, 57th, 77th, and 84th minutes of the match. Jason Miassoglia tallied two goals for the Titans while Chris Fudge and Alex Kawalit added goals as well. Detroit has now won seven straight matches.
Next up for the Vikings is a trip to conference-leading Butler, a team that is undefeated (4-0) in Horizon League play. The Bulldogs hosted #6 Indiana Wednesday night.
"Our performance level has to increase dramatically on Sunday if we are going to have any hope of getting a positive result," Curtis noted.
Prior to the match, Cleveland State honored its five seniors - David Preseren, Amir Kettani, Harveer Mann, Spencer Lappin, and Cameron Husty. The players were greeted at midfield by Coach Curtis and Associate Athletic Director Tom Tontimonia while a few words were read about their contributions to the Cleveland State soccer program.
