CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland State women's soccer team got the 2018 season underway Tuesday afternoon, hosting Buffalo in an exhibition contest. The two teams played three 30-minute periods, with Buffalo earning a 3-1 victory.
During the first 30 minutes Cleveland State controlled play during the majority of the frame, with Essence Canady getting a pair of good looks on goal at the midway point. Canady sent both of her shots just high over the goal, battling through traffic to get her opportunities on net.
The momentum shifted during the second period then, with Buffalo scoring in the 11th minute to take a 1-0 advantage after 60 minutes of play.
Cleveland State was able to even the score early on in the third period, with Ja'Maya Ward finding the back of the net in the third minute. Ward was able to put the Vikings on the scoreboard after Aubrey Bechter passed the ball into the box from the left side of the field, putting the score at 1-1 with 27 minutes left to play.
Buffalo regained the lead seven minutes later and then added an insurance goal late in the period for the 3-1 final score.
All three Cleveland State goalkeepers saw action during today's contest, with each stepping in goal for a 30-minute frame.
The Vikings will travel to Duquesne Thursday evening for their final exhibition contest, taking on the Dukes at 7:00 p.m.