ROCHESTER, Mich. – Cleveland State fell in the Horizon League Tournament Championship game to Regular Season Champions, Oakland, 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.

The Vikings last played in the Horizon League Championship in 2012 and this appearance marks the first under head coach Sinisa Ubiparipovic. The Green and White conclude the 2021 season with a 10-8 overall record and 8-2 league record.

At the conclusion of the championship game, Pablo Kawecki, Jannis Schmidt, and Thomas M'Barek were named to the All-Tournament team.

THE GAME
Oakland struck quickly as Noah Jensen scored just 41 seconds into regulation with a shot from outside the box off a pass from Owen Smith and Cameron Wilde. Pablo Kawecki tied the game in the 40th minute, scoring off a cross from Julian Pellegrini.

The Golden Grizzlies reclaimed the lead 34 seconds later as Sebastian Nuzzo scored from 25-yards out off a through ball from Reid Sproat.

Cleveland State went into the halftime break trailing the home team, 2-1. Each team put six shots on target in the opening half with the Green and White holding a 12-10 edge in overall shots.

Two minutes into the second half, Dylan Borczak netted a goal off a pair of assists from Noah Jensen and Sebastian Nuzzo. Neither team would score again as the Golden Grizzlies won the Horizon League Championship, 3-1.

The Vikings held an 18-16 edge in shots and 4-3 advantage in corners. Tommy Paltani led the offense with six shots. Omeed Naeemy made six saves in goal.