Oct. 16, 2009
Contact: Brian McCann
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland State set a season high with three goals from three different players with each being the first goal of their respective careers and Kelly Zinkiewich made eight saves in goal as the Vikings routed Butler, 3-1, on a frigid Friday night at Krenzler Field.
The win improved the Vikings to 3-11-2 on the year and 2-3-1 in league play while Butler dropped to 7-9 overall and 3-2 in league competition.
"The weather was pretty lousy but we didn't let it bother us," CSU head coach Derrek Falor said. "It was good to get back home on a familiar playing surface and our kids really showed that they were ready.
"I challenged them before the match and told them what we need to do to qualify for the Horizon League Championships. Tonight was the first step and we still have some more work to do.
"After having such a rough time on the road last week, we came ready to play tonight and gutted it out. We played hard for all 90 minutes and took advantage of every opportunity that Butler gave us."
The Vikings took a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute when Natalie Daniels lined a low cross from deep on the right side of the goal that sophomore Samantha Salamon redirected slightly that beat Butler goalkeeper Jessica Schein to the far side.
The weather played a role in CSU's second goal in the 59th minute. Following a Viking corner kick, Butler cleared the ball to midfield where Jocelyn Keefer, the only defender back and only player within 20 yards, controlled the ball and blasted a shot towards goal. The ball bounced in front of the goal but instead of the slow high-arcing bounce that was expected, it took a quick skip that stunned Schein as it went over her head and into the goal.
It was the first career goal for Keefer and came in the 39th match of her career.
"Jocelyn made a smart play," Falor said. "She has played on this field and knows how different the ball bounces when it is wet. I don't think she tried to do that, but by putting the ball in play on goal, she opened the door for something crazy happening."
The Vikings made it 3-0 at the 84:15 mark when Jordan King redirected a cross from deep in the left corner by Sylvia Olsby off the hands of Schein and into the short corner for her first career marker.
The shutout didn't hold as just 36 seconds later, Viking defender Marina Taylor was called for a foul in the box and Butler's Sarah Phelps converted the ensuing penalty kick to provide the final 3-1 margin.
That was the only blemish on the card of Zinkiewich, who was fabulous in goal playing under miserable conditions.
"Kelly did a great job tonight," Falor said. "She made great decisions on when to come off her line and when to play back, saw the ball well and got her hands on some very tough shots. She was the difference in the match.
With two regular season matches remaining, the Vikings moved into a sixth place tie in the league standings with Green Bay, who was hosting Wright State on Friday night. Only the top six teams in the final league standings qualify for the league championship tournament.
Cleveland State remains at home this weekend, closing the regular season on Sunday (Oct. 18) with a 12:00 noon match against Valparaiso at 12:00 noon at Krenzler Field. The match will be the final regular season home contest of the year and serve as Senior Day for CSU seniors Danielle Ultican, Jocelyn and Jessica Keefer, Jessica McCloy and Sarah Baker, who will be honored in a pre-match ceremony.
