PITTSBURGH - The Cleveland State women's soccer team opened their two-game road trip with a 5-0 loss at Pittsburgh on Thursday night. The Green and White will head to Akron for a matinee match against the Zips on Sunday.

THE GAME
The Pittsburgh Panthers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead on nine shots in the opening half of Thursday's game. Pitt tacked on two more goals in the second half to secure a 5-0 victory against the short-handed Vikes.

Cleveland State took eight shots on the day, while goalkeeper Miranda Thomas recorded four saves. The Vikings only committed three fouls, while the Panthers recorded 12. 

Up next for Cleveland State will be a battle against Northeast Ohio rival Akron on Sunday. Sunday's match will be the 12th meeting all-time between these two Northeast Ohio programs. In their last meeting, Cleveland State took a 2-1 2OT victory on August 25 behind a golden goal from Elena Gutlove in the 107th minute. 

Following the team's match against the Zips, CSU will return to Krenzler Field for a Thursday night tilt against the Miami Redhawks.

Fans of Cleveland State women's soccer are invited to join the Viking Fund by visiting www.csuvikings.com/VikingFund. The financial support benefits all 330+ student-athletes as they become champions in the classroom, in the community and through competition. For more information on the Viking Fund, contact Assistant Athletics Director Brandon Longmeier at b.longmeier@csuohio.edu or call (216) 630-2974. 

UP NEXT // SCOUTING THE ZIPS
Akron returns eight starters in 2021, including four of its top-five goal scorers led by junior Sydney Worthy, who posted team-high marks in goals (3), points (8), shots (13) and game-winners (2). Tallying one goal each for the Zips was redshirt junior Aislinn Meaney, junior Carly Pcholinsky and freshman Annabel Thomas. Sophomore GK Vanessa Berlin returns for Akron after starting six games this past spring and recording 35 saves.  

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