QUICK HITS

• Cleveland State used goals on either side of halftime to top Duquesne, 2-0
• Lawrence Karpeh and Andrew Nicholas scored for CSU
• Nicholas' goal was his first as a collegian
• Freshman Pablo Kawecki tallied his first collegiate assist
• The Vikings did not allow a shot on goal
• The shutout was the third of the season for CSU
• Cleveland State is now 4-0-0 at home this season
• The match was the final in a string of three straight non-league fixtures

MATCH RECAP

The Cleveland State University men's soccer team used a goal on either side of halftime and a stout defensive effort to claim a 2-0 victory over Duquesne Tuesday evening at a pleasant Krenzler Field.

With the win, CSU's second straight, the Vikings remained perfect at home this season, now standing at 4-0-0 at Krenzler.

Senior Lawrence Karpeh and redshirt sophomore Andrew Nicholas posted goals while true freshman Pablo Kawecki had an assist to help CSU to a win over the visiting side which entered with an 8-3-1 record.

The hosts also used a fantastic defensive effort to earn the win as they held the Dukes to four total shots, none of which were on target.

Cleveland State had four changes to its starting XI from its win this past weekend at Ohio State. Junior Dan Manolache was inserted into central defense, sophomores Stjepan Mijic-Barisic and Tommy Paltani were placed into the midfield while senior Vlad Jandric returned to the lineup, playing as a striker. It was the first start of the season for Mijic-Barisic.

The opening quarter of the match was largely devoid of chances for either side as neither could break down its opponent.

The Dukes had their best chance of the half, and possibly the match, in the 26th minute. After taking a long throw-in from near the corner flag, a deflection saw the ball fall to a Dukes attacker at the top of the box, but his quick strike was slightly wide of the mark.

About 10 minutes later, Cleveland State had its first good luck at goal. Karpeh used a nifty back heel pass to find Mijic-Barisic's run down the right. The sophomore dribbled through a few defenders before taking a tight-angle, bouncing shot that the keeper was able to hold.

Cleveland State would grab the lead with just over five minutes remaining in the half. After a sustained period of possession, Kawecki played a ball from a little inside the midfield stripe toward the top of the box. Karpeh went up to head the ball but was taken down by the goalkeeper, and the Vikings were awarded a penalty.

Karpeh did not waste the opportunity that he helped to earn as he slotted it home to put the hosts on top. He nearly doubled the advantage about two minutes later when his blast from about 25 yards forced the keeper to make a fine diving stop.

Cleveland State would get an insurance goal with just over 20 minutes to play in the match.

Only a couple minutes after Karpeh just missed finding the head of Zack Kluever with a cross, Nicholas would open his collegiate account.

After CSU played the ball around its back line, it found its way to Kawecki, who was well within his own half. He played a long ball forward that Nicholas was able to latch onto. The forward took a couple touches centrally before unleashing a shot from about 20 yards that found the upper right corner.

The Vikings' lead was never in jeopardy after that point as CSU consistently did well to win the first ball of any cross or long free kick that was played into its defensive box.

True freshman Omeed Naeemy earned his third shutout of the season and was aided by a back four of Ryan Kolonick, Thomas M'Barek, Dan Manolache and Hayden Parente.

Karpeh now has goals in back-to-back matches and has points in three straight fixtures. He has now tied his career high of four goals.

CSU will resume Horizon League action this Saturday, Oct. 19, at IUPUI.