ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Vikings used two second-half goals to defeat Milwaukee 2-1 in the Horizon League Semifinals on Thursday evening. With the victory, Cleveland State returns to the Horizon League Championship for the first time since winning it in 2012.

The Green and White will take on Regular Season Champions and host, Oakland on Saturday at 1 p.m.

THE GAME
Milwaukee nearly had the opening goal in the 21st minute when Paolo Gratton's shot from just outside the box hit the right post and rolled out of play. Seven minutes later, the Panthers got on the board as Gratton volleyed it into the back of the net off a give-and-go from Phillip Reiwerts and Joshua Kidder.

The Vikings nearly evened the game in the 31st minute but Thomas M'Barek's shot from the middle of the box was saved by the keeper as he was on the ground.

Milwaukee went on to lead 1-0 at halftime with the Green and White trailing 8-7 in the shot category.

Albert Portas tied the game in the 49th minute with a perfect free-kick from the top of the box that went underneath the wall. In the 56th minute, Andrew Nicholas gave the Vikings their first lead of the night with an absolute rocket to the far post from 30-yards out.

The Panthers best scoring chance came in the 65th minute when Kidder's free-kick from the top of the box hit the crossbar and went out of play. The scoreline remained the same with the Vikings moving onto the championship game.

Milwaukee held a 14-11 advantage in shots, but Cleveland State led 6-3 in the shots on goal category. The Vikings held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks.

Jannis Schmidt had a game-best four shots with two on frame. Omeed Naeemy made two saves in goal.

UP NEXT
Cleveland State will face Oakland in the Horizon League Championship on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. In the previous matchup this season, the Golden Grizzlies won, 4-3 at home.