Aug. 24, 2007
Contact: Brian McCann
CLEVELAND, OH - Senior Shayna Back headed home the game-winning goal with 1:12 remaining to give the Cleveland State women's soccer team a 2-1 win over Notre Dame (Ohio) in an exhibition match Friday night at Krenzler Field.
Heather Clapacs started the play as she sent a ball into the box from about 30 yards out. Back was able to control it and beat the Falcon keeper with a header inside the right post.
"This was a pretty good first exhibition for us," head coach Derek Falor said. "We've been practicing for just over a week now and we have a lot to work on before we open the season next weekend. But I thought we did some good things and we elevated our play at the end and that allowed us to come back.
"We have to start the match playing much faster than we did," Falor continued. "We started out playing at our opponents speed and that played in Notre Dame's favor. Once we started to play at our speed, you could see the difference in our offense."
CSU fell behind at the 52:57 mark when Nikki Tizzano took a pass from Megan Wydra 10 yards in front of the goal and found the back of the net. The lead lasted until freshman Sylvia Olsby knocked in a loose ball off the back post at the 77:21 mark.
The Vikings outshot Notre Dame, 19-6 and also held a distinct advantage in corner kicks (6-2).
CSU will return to action on Sunday at 1:00 pm with an exhibition match against Kent State at Krenzler Field.
