QUICK HITS

• Wright State hung on to claim a 2-1 over Cleveland State
• Vlad Jandric scored for the Vikings
• Hayden Parente and Lawrence Karpeh each had an assist
• The Vikings had a penalty kick saved that would have leveled the match
• Cleveland State had an 18-7 lead in shots for the match
• For the second straight match, CSU took 11 more shots than its opponent

MATCH RECAP

The Cleveland State University men's soccer team had its comeback attempt come up short as the Vikings dropped a 2-1 decision to Wright State Saturday evening at a rain-soaked Krenzler Field.

The Raiders scored in the opening 15 minutes of each half to build a 2-0 lead. The Vikings would grab one back just after the hour mark but were unable to find an equalizer despite dominating the final half hour.

Senior Vlad Jandric scored for CSU after coming off the bench in a return from injury. Seniors Hayden Parente and Lawrence Karpeh registered assists on the play.

Sophomore Tommy Paltani's insertion into the lineup, replacing the unavailable Thomas Bielanski, was the only change for a CSU side that won at IUPUI last weekend.

Wright State would take the lead in the opening quarter hour on a set piece. A right-wing free kick was delivered into the box and the Raiders headed it home, tucking it low inside the far post.

Fewer than five minutes later, redshirt sophomore Andrew Nicholas sent a cross in from the left side. It was partially deflected but still made its way toward the far post, where Karpeh tried to tap it over the line, but the keeper was able to see it out of play.

After taking a 1-0 lead into the halftime break, Wright State soon added a second after the intermission.

The Raiders punished a giveaway by the Viking back line, winning the ball and immediately advancing forward down the right. The cross was sent toward the far post where it found a Raider player, who headed it high into the netting.

Just when it appeared the Vikings were in trouble, they began to rally.

Karpeh played the ball forward down the right wing toward the corner flag. Parente sent in a cross about six yards in front of goal, where Jandric bent down to head it home.

The Vikings nearly tied the match about five minutes later. Cleveland State looked as though it was going to score, but a Raider handled the ball near the goal line, keeping the ball in play. However, that play proved worthwhile for the guests as CSU was unable to convert the subsequent spot kick.

Cleveland State dominated possession for the remainder of the match but was unable to find an equalizer.

The Vikings' best chances came in the final 10 minutes, courtesy of sophomore Jannis Schmidt. In the 83rd minute, Schmidt and Nicholas worked a wonderful give-and-go. Schmidt's shot from the top of the box forced a diving save out of the Raider keeper.

A few minutes later, Jandric left the ball for Schmidt, who then used some nice footwork to elude a couple of defenders. However, he was unable to direct his effort from 16 yards out on target.

Cleveland State posted an 18-7 advantage in shots for the match, marking the second straight outing where it had 11 more shots than its opponent.

Jandric's goal was the 10th of his career. Wright State was given five cards in the match while the Vikings received zero.

CSU will host its non-conference finale this Tuesday, Oct. 29, against 2018 national runner-up Akron.