HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Vikings (2-5-3, 0-3-1) were handed a 2-1 loss by Northern Kentucky (2-2-6, 1-0-3) on Saturday evening.

The Norse wasted no time getting on the board as Yonatan Cochen scored off a feed from Jason Purks and Ali Taleb. NKU extended the lead to 2-0 in the 28th minute behind a Jason Purks strike from 30-yards out.

The Vikings trimmed the margin to 2-1 in the 68th minute on a Tom Mertz unassisted goal. However, Cleveland State could not rally from its third straight two-goal deficit, falling on the road, 2-1.

Cleveland State held a 10-9 edge in shots with RC Schmeider finishing with a game-best four shots. Marko Rimac and Mertz each finished two shots on goal. Stephen Yerian made saves in goal.

The Vikings play its final non-league game of the year at home on Tuesday, Oct. 8 against Xavier at 7 p.m. Cleveland State will charge admission for the game against Xavier. Single-game tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for youth 12 and under.