Aug. 14, 2010
Contact: Brian McCann
PITTSBURGH, PA - With the first week of practice behind them, the 2010 Cleveland State women's soccer team finally had a chance on Saturday to see how far they have come since last fall, dropping a 1-0 decision to Pitt in an exhibition contest on Saturday afternoon.
Playing in extremely hot and humid weather conditions, Viking head coach Derrek Falor substituted freely, using 19 players in the contest.
"For a first time out, I am happy with our effort and performance but the outcome could have been different," Falor said. "We played some solid defense and created some good scoring opportunities, which is a good sign.
"Last year we played two lower level teams in exhibitions and although we won both times, we seemed a little flat when we started the season against better talent. Pitt is a nice, veteran team and I think we learned a lot more about ourselves by playing them."
The Panthers scored the lone goal of the contest when Liz Carroll headed home a corner kick from Laura Berbert from eight yards out in the 16th minute.
"That was a nice goal because they were able to put the cross in an area where a player broke free," Falor said. "The unfortunate part is that the only reason they had the corner is because we misplayed a ball defensively and let it go out of bounds of us. The corner could have easily been avoided."
Although the Vikings were held scoreless in the 90-minute exhibition, CSU did have several good scoring chances.
Senior Marley Greiner had the best scoring opportunity, launching a shot from 30 yards out that was headed for the right corner of the goal before the Pitt goalkeeper used a diving effort to deflect it away.
In the 60th minute, freshman Taylor Vidovic headed a cross from Carla Ragone on goal that required another nice save.
"Taylor had an outstanding effort today," Falor said. "She was a monster. That is a great sign since it was her first collegiate match and I look for even better things down the road."
CSU had one final scoring chance in the 80th minute when sixth-year senior Jessica McCloy, who missed all but two matches last year following knee surgery, headed a long cross off the post and the Vikings were unable to cover it.
Despite letting up the goal on the corner kick, the Viking defense had a strong effort, limiting the Panther scoring opportunities.
"Defensively, we played well as a group and were able to stay in front of the ball and deflect most of their shots," Falor said. "Unfortunately, Pitt was able to take 11 corner kicks in the match and that is way too many. We have to do a better job of clearing the ball once we have deflected a shot."
Senior Kelly Zinkiewich was the lone goalie to play in the contest, making eight saves, including nice plays on Pitt scoring runs in both the 25th and 58th minutes.
"Kelly was solid in goal for us, but I know that she is capable of better," Falor said.
The Vikings will return to practice on Sunday and prep for their final exhibition match of the preseason when they travel to Niagara on Wednesday, Aug. 18 for a 3:00 p.m. contest with the Purple Eagles. CSU will then open the 2010 season at home on Sunday, Aug. 22 with a 1:00 p.m. match against Marshall at Krenzler Field.
Game Stats:
Shots: Pitt-16, Cleveland State-4
Shots on goal: Pitt-9, Cleveland State-3
Team Fouls: Pitt-10, Cleveland State-8
Corner Kicks: Pitt-11, Cleveland State-4
