BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Cleveland State women's soccer team opened the exhibition season with a 3-2 win at Buffalo on Tuesday afternoon.

Toni Dickson scored the first two goals for CSU, while McKenna Vento added another to give the Vikings a 3-0 lead. The Bulls would add two goals in the final five minutes.

The teams played three 30 minute periods today.

Dickson scored her first goal in the second 30 minute session, following up a bobbled save by the Buffalo goalkeeper after a set piece by Katie Bainbridge. Minutes later, Bainbridge sent in a corner kick that Dickson headed in for a 2-0 lead.

Vento made it 3-0 in the final 30 minutes when she controlled a loose ball and sent it into the top left corner.

"There are a lot of positives that we can take away from today," head coach Sonia Curvelo said. "We were at out best when we forced Buffalo to make mistakes with our organized defensive pressure, which led us to win the ball in certain areas of the field.

"Certain players stepped up today that helped change the game and give us a 3-0 lead. Even though we gave up two late goals, it allowed the players to see that if you don't defend collectively, then we can give those goals up.

"We will look to improve upon this game. It gives us a chance to make adjustments in training to continue to prepare the team to do better in the next game. Overall, I am pleased with the commitment from the players and coaching staff."

CSU plays its final exhibition match of the preseason on Saturday (Aug. 15) when the Vikings host Niagara at 3:00 p.m. at Krenzler Field.