Sept. 2, 2005

Final Stats

Contact: Brian Wolff

BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Vikings got off to a quick start on Friday, scoring in the ninth minute of play, but that would be all as they tied Canisius 1-1 in the first game of the Buffalo Fall Classic at UB Stadium.

Cleveland State took an early lead on a 15-yard direct kick from sophomore Tom Sadd. The Vikings would hold the lead until the 38th minute when Canisius would score the equalizing goal.

Cleveland State had its chance to win, but inexperience from starting seven newcomers showed.

"We saw two different sides of our players tonight," head coach Pete Curtis said. "We saw their inexperience during the end of the first half and beginning of the second half, but at the end of regulation and overtime we saw some rich promise."

The Vikings dominated the overtime periods, outshooting the Golden Griffs 5-1. CSU had a golden opportunity in second overtime session on a shot by freshman Nenad Stojkovic, but Canisius goalkeeper Matt Houghton made one of his seven saves to preserve the tie.

"Our midfielders controlled the ball during the overtime periods," Curtis said, "but we lacked the finishing touch which would have given us a win."

Freshman Anthony DeMarco made his first collegiate start in goal for the Vikings and let up only one goal while making six saves in the game.

"We played very well defensively," Curtis said. "We did an excellent job controlling the ball and the goal scored by our opponents was just an excellent individual effort."

The Vikings will stay in Western New York and play Buffalo on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.