Sept. 5, 2008
Final Stats
Contact: Brian McCann
MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - First half goals by Natalie Daniels and Marley Greiner proved to be all Cleveland State needed as the Vikings snapped a season-opening four-match losing streak by defeating Robert Morris, 2-1, on Friday evening at the North Athletic Complex.
The Vikings handed RMU their first loss of the season in three outings while CSU improved to 1-4.
"It was good to finally get a win," CSU head coach Derrek Falor said. "We came out aggressive and even though the play was back and forth and pretty even, we took advantage of our chances and converted a pair of nice plays.
"This team is coming along nicely. We are quickly figuring out what our best playing combinations are and it shows by our improvement."
Daniels opened the scoring for CSU in the 11th minute when she took control of the ball just inside midfield and eluded several defenders before launching a right-footed shot from around 25 yards out that beat RMU goalkeeper Caitlin Dilal and found the upper part of the goal.
It was the team-leading third goal of the season for Daniels.
"Natalie has real good instincts with the ball and she knew exactly when and where to place the shot," Falor said. "She is proving to be a solid play-maker
Greiner made it 2-0 Vikings at the 30:11 mark when she made a long 40-yard run down the right side and launched a shot from just outside the 18-yard stripe that beat the goalie high and to the right, just under the crossbar.
The goal was even more special to Greiner, who had comeback earlier in the week to play vs. Akron after sitting out the first three matches of the year with an ankle injury suffered during pre-season.
"Marley is one of our better offensive players and to get her back in the lineup will really help us," Falor said. "She made the play all by herself and it proved to be the game-winner."
Robert Morris cut the lead in half when Emily Schock played the ball to the feet of Rachel Sebbens, who turned left with her back to the goal, then hit a right-footed shot inside the left post and past CSU goalie Kelly Zinkiewich.
"Once we took the 2-0 lead into the half, we got away from what we normally do and allowed Robert Morris to set the tempo for the second half. That meant our defense had to be ready for a constant attack with the ball being in our end for most of the half.
"We were up for the challenge without defense and (goalie) Kelly (Zinkiewich) playing well. If we can maintain that level of play, then we will be fine."
Robert Morris had a slight 14-13 lead in shots with Zinkiewich making three saves in recording the win. Dilal made five saves for RMU.
The win ends a stretch that has seen the Vikings play four matches in eight days with three of the contests coming on the road. Cleveland State is now idle until traveling to Ohio next Friday (Sept. 12)
