Sept. 7, 2000
From The Desk Of Pete Curtis -- The first two match-ups of a three-game series against teams from the state of Michigan produced mixed results for the Vikings over the past four days. The season opener saw the much-improved Western Michigan visit Krenzler Field to face a Viking team missing two key players. Sophomore striker, Adam Campellone (Seven Hills, OH - ankle injury), and freshman defender, Dean Tuft (Connah's Quay, Wales - Ineligible for first 2 contests) were the notable absentees. Their presence was sorely missed as, despite taking a 1-0 lead on an Atle Haaland (So., Kvinesdal, Norway) PK, the Vikings squandered a series of opportunities before a defensive lapse saw them concede a late equalizer with just four minutes remaining in the game. Despite dominating most of the overtime period, the Vikings were unable to break the deadlock and were forced to settle for, what can only be described as, a disappointing tie.
For the next game, against Michigan, injured starting midfielder, Issam "Izzy" Zejly (Fr., Ivory Coast), and keeper, James Kryger (Jr., St. Catharines, Canada), joined the sidelined Campellone and Tuft as the Vikings' injury problems worsened. Despite the absentees, Marc Royer (Jr., Scarborough, Canada) put the CSU ahead in the fifth minute, as the Vikings dominated the early going. CSU's passing and movement was much improved, and more decisive finishing could well have seen the lead extended before another defensive lapse saw Michigan, much against the run of play, tie the game up just six minutes after falling behind. The game took another twist when, in the 37th minute, Michigan went in front after being awarded an extremely controversial penalty kick that took both teams by surprise. After Viking keeper, Josep Novkowic (Jr., Euclid, OH), brilliantly denied a Wolverine attacker on a one-on-one breakaway, the entire stadium, including the Michigan contingent, was stunned to see the referee point to the penalty spot. The resultant spot-kick was converted and, despite having much the better of the 1st half, the Vikings went in a goal down!
The start of the second half saw the deficit wiped out, however, as another Haaland PK put the Vikings back on even terms. However, opportunities at both ends failed to produce the breakthrough goal in regulation time and the game moved into the dreaded "sudden-death" overtime. Much to the dismay of the CSU contingent, another disappointing defensive lapse saw Michigan steal the victory just five minutes into overtime. This result was even more disappointing than the previous game's, as the Vikings had shown themselves well capable of earning the victory. However, missed scoring opportunities and defensive lapses will not earn you much over the course of a season.
The Vikings must now prepare to face a strong Michigan State team on Sunday in their toughest game of the season, to date. With Tuft now eligible, and Campellone, Zejly, and Kryger looking to return, CSU will be aiming to put on a much more well-rounded display against a quality opponent. What the Vikings need more than anything is the opportunity to give their full starting line-up, who have yet to play together, an extended, injury-free run. If this happens, then we could very well see the Vikings approaching their best form just in time for the opening of conference play on September 27th.
