BUFFALO, N.Y. – Cleveland State (1-1-0) picked up their first win of the year after defeating Canisius (0-2-0) 4-3 on Monday evening. Albert Portas led the Vikings with his first collegiate hat-trick.

The Vikings took a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute as A. Portas slotted the ball to the far post off a through ball from Quinn Groves. However, Canisius tied the game two minutes later on a 25-yard free kick by Daniel Longo.

Pablo Kawecki put the Green and White back on top 2-1 in the 29th minute, finishing off a give-and-go from Bojan Kolevski. The Golden Griffs tied the game back up in the 40th minute as Elliott Weber headed in a corner by Longo.

The score remained deadlocked at halftime, with each team taking four shots.

Cleveland State wasted no time taking the lead back as A. Portas tallied his second goal of the game just two minutes into the new half with a blast from the top of the box off assists from Daniel Tregansin and Marko Rimac.

A. Portas then completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute, finishing off some brilliant passing from Kawecki and Kolevski to lead 4-2.

Canisius made it a one-goal game in the 84th minute after Glodie Mata scored off a long through ball from Riley Wagner. 

The Vikings tightened down defensively during the remaining six minutes to earn their first victory of the year, 4-3.

The Green and White held a 16-10 edge in shots with an 11-5 advantage in shots on goal. Each team took seven corners.

Kawecki led the game with five shots including three on frame. Kolevski and A. Portas each took four shots.

Ryan Poling made his first career start in goal, making two saves to earn his first collegiate victory.

The Vikings will play their first game of the year on Krenzler Field against Loyola on Friday, September 1 at 7 p.m. Prior to the contest, Cleveland State will unveil its 2022 Horizon League Regular Season and Tournament Championship banner.