Opening Whistle
The Vikings look to extend their unbeaten streak to six games when they travel to Purdue Fort Wayne for a midweek league game at 7 p.m.
 
Tough to Come Back
The Vikings are 4-1-0 overall when scoring first and 2-0-0 on the road when this occurs. If the Green and White score two goals, they are 3-0-0. When leading at the half, Cleveland State is 4-0-0 and 2-0-0 away from Krenzler Field.
 
Having to Wear Black
Cleveland State has worn the white jerseys for five straight games but will have to put on the black ones for this game at PFW. When in black, the Vikings are 1-2-0.
 
Last Game Out
The Green and White recorded a 2-0 shutout of IU Indy on Saturday, extending the unbeaten streak to five games. The Vikings pounced on the Jaguars with a goal just two minutes into the game as Domenic Ruggiero finished off a through ball from Adrian Bravo Sanchez.
 
Uzman Ramees doubled the margin in the 56th minute with a penalty kick, which was his first goal of the year. Aleksandar Kolar picked up his fourth shutout of the year after making four saves.
 
About the Mastodons
Purdue Fort Wayne carries a 4-3-1 overall record and a 2-1-1 league mark into the game. PFW is coming off a 3-3 draw at home against Oakland and is uneaten on the grass at 3-0-1.
 
Brandon Razo paces the team with six goals and Antonio Tiscareno and Max Titterington are tied for the team-lead in assists with three. Sep Habibi has started seven games on the year, accumulating 13 saves and two shutouts.
 
Series History
This will be a rematch of the Horizon League Championship game from last season in which the Vikings won in double overtime 1-0. In the all-time series, Cleveland State leads 9-5-2.
 
Ubiparipovic Background
Two-time Horizon League Coach of the Year, Sinisa Ubiparipovic enters his eighth season as the head coach of the Vikings. In his time, the Green and White have made NCAA Tournament appearances and won two Horizon League Regular Season and Tournament Championships. On the field, his squads are 51-44-20 overall (.530 winning percentage), and 31-21-11 (.579 winning percentage) in league games.
 
Key Returners
Cleveland State brings back #HLMSOC Freshman of the Year and Third Team All-League honoree, Uzman Ramees. Ramees was the second straight player to receive this award after playing in all 19 games as a midfielder. Ramees led the team in assists (4) and was tied for the team lead in points (13). He also added four goals.
 
Tom Mertz received his second straight All-League honor, this time being recognized on the First Team. The sophomore played in all 19 games, scoring three goals, all of which came in league play.
 
Lennart Heck was recognized on the Second Team after playing in 18 games on the backline. Heck was the anchor of four shutouts, while scoring a goal and adding three assists.
 
Ognjen Bozovic gained Third Team All-League honors in his first season with the Green and White. Bozovic played in 18 games in the midfield, tallying three goals, one of which was the game-winner against Detroit Mercy.
 
Preseason Poll
Cleveland State was picked to repeat as Horizon League Champions after picking up 111 points. Green Bay was slated to come in second with 95 points and league newcomer, NIU is third with 92 points.
 
Up Next
The Vikings play host to Northern Kentucky on Saturday, October 10 at 7 p.m.