PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Vikings (11-4-5) fell to the University of Pitt (9-4-5) 2-1 in their NCAA First Round game on Thursday evening.

Cleveland State was returning to the national tournament for the first time in ten seasons and first time under head coach Sinisa Ubiparipovic.

THE GAME
The Panthers cracked the scoreboard first in the 27th minute as Bertin Jacqesson converted off a give-and-go from Michael Sullivan Josh Luchini.

Neither team found the back of the net again as Pitt led 1-0 at the half. The Panthers outshot the Green and White 8-2 in that span.

Pitt's, Jacquesson netted his second of the game in the 76th minute, finishing off a ball from Rodrigo Almeida and Guilherme Feitosa to lead 2-0.

The Vikings wouldn't go away quietly as Hector Gomez netted an unassisted goal in the 88th minute to trail 2-1.

Cleveland State kept the pressure on for the final two minutes but was unable to equalize, falling 2-1 in the opening round game.

Cleveland State was outshot 15-6 in the game but held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Albert Portas and Gomez paced the Green and White with two shots apiece.

Omeed Naeemy came up with five saves on the evening.