Sept. 15, 2004

Box Score

Contact: David Barry

After a 10-day layoff, the Cleveland State men's soccer team successfully opened its home season with a 2-1 victory over Duquesne Wednesday at Mentor High School. Spencer Lappin netted two goals to lead the Vikings.

"This was a hard-earned win against a very good team," coach Pete Curtis said. "They will do well this year. They're athletic, and they put us under a lot of pressure. We knew we needed to steal and take opportunities when they came our way - and we did."

Lappin opened up the scoring in the 29th minute by taking a one-touch pass from Seth Matisak, megging his Duquesne opponent to get into the box, and slotting the ball near side just beyond the reach of the Duquesne goalkeeper. His goal in the 62nd minute proved to be the game-winner. Lappin's two goals give him three in as many games thus far this season. The Pepper Pike native tallied five goals with five assists in '03, and had more career goals entering the season than all other CSU players combined.

"We needed Spencer to step up this year and he's absolutely, 100-percent doing it", Curtis said. "His overall play, not just his goal-scoring, has improved. If he continues to improve, there will be many goals that come his way."

After Lappin pocketed the loose ball to give the Cleveland State the lead, the Vikings stepped up the defensive pressure to withstand a strong Duquesne attack. The Dukes outshot Cleveland State 18-6.

"We weren't going to give away goals tonight," coach Curtis said. "We played tough, with lots of heart. Even 50-50 balls were more like 60-40 in our favor. We really showed character under intense pressure. We bent but didn't break, and the defense was there for us when it needed to be."

The match saw 25 fouls, 14 that came against Cleveland State. Amir Kettani posted five saves in his third consecutive start in the nets for the Vikings. He made a diving punch over the crossbar on a Duquense freekick midway through the second period to help preserve the win for Cleveland State.

The Vikings will take their two-game winning streak to Marshall for a 2:00 match on Saturday.