EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Cleveland State men's soccer team fell to Michigan State 2-1 in their 2021 season opener on Thursday evening. The Vikings will look to rebound in their home opener against Bowling Green on Friday, Sept. 3.

THE GAME
Michigan State struck first in the 23rd minute when Gianni Ferri finished off a cross from Farai Mutatu and Will Perkins.

Less than a minute later, Second Team All-Horizon honoree, Jannis Schmidt tied the game off a perfect ball from Julian Pellegrini.

The Spartans took a 2-1 advantage in the 37th minute after Michael Miller converted a 25-yard free kick into the upper left corner of the net. The score line remained the same at the intermission, despite the Vikings holding a 4-3 edge in shots on goal.

The second half went scoreless as Michigan State narrowly outshot Cleveland State, 6-5. Both keepers came up with three saves as the Vikings dropped their opener on the road, 2-1.

Cleveland State held a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal as Thomas M'Barek and Schmidt had two apiece. Omeed Naeemy came up with four saves in the contest.

UP NEXT
The Vikings will welcome Bowling Green to Krenzler Field on Friday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. for their home opener. Cleveland State will look to even up the all-time series with the Falcons, 17-18-1.

2021 PROMO SCHEDULE
Click here for the complete men's soccer promotional schedule: https://csuvikings.com/2021mSOCPROMO  

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