Oct. 22, 2011
Contact: Tim Ertle
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Two goals in the final six minutes of the match - one coming on a penalty kick after a disputed hand ball was called in the box - helped the visiting Green Bay Phoenix grab a crucial Horizon League match, 2-1, against Cleveland State on Saturday (Oct. 22) night.
Cleveland State scored early, and Green Bay scored late. In between, the two clubs played similar ball control styles and were physical with each other. CSU was whistled for 21 fouls while Green Bay was charged with eight infractions. When all was said and done, Cleveland State slid to 6-8-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the league. The Phoenix earned their third league win of the season and are now 8-5-1 overall and 3-2 in the Horizon League.
"That was a very frustrating game because it was one we should have won," head coach Ali Kazemaini said. "Sometimes you don't play your best, but you still find a way to win. Tonight had that kind of feel to it, and then the last six minutes happened."
Jordan Hart scored his third goal of the year just over two minutes into the match and the Vikings were quickly ahead 1-0. Aaron Adkins lobbed a ball for Hart and Green Bay goalkeeper Ryan Wehking charged out to intercept it. The speedy Hart got to the ball first and slid it inside the right post to open the scoring.
That goal held up until Justin Mancine was whistled for a hand ball in the box in the 85th minute.
Tony Walls converted the penalty kick for his team-best fifth goal of the year, and it looked like the match was headed for overtime.
With just 29 seconds remaining, Green Bay leveled a dagger when AJ Patterson crossed a ball for Luke Goodnetter. He headed the ball past CSU goalkeeper Brad Stuver and brought silence to Krenzler Field.
Green Bay attempted nine shots, but only three - all which came late in the second half - were on goal. The Vikings attempted eight shots with four on goal.
Kazemaini was quick to credit Green Bay and their ability to dominate possession at times.
"They did a good job of controlling the ball on the ground," he said. "They're a good team and they play under control. For the first 85 minutes, they had the ball a ton, but they had very few chances. I thought we did a good job of limiting their opportunities."
The Vikings will try to rebound on Wednesday (Oct. 26) when they play their final road game of the season, a 7:00 p.m. match at Butler.
