Opening Whistle
Cleveland State takes to Krenzler Field for the first time since securing its second Horizon League Tournament Championship, welcoming Mercyhurst for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Season Opener
The Vikings started the 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 loss at Santa Clara on Thursday. Following a scoreless first half, the Broncos opened the scoring less than a minute into the new half.
 
The Green and White pulled even in the 54th minute on freshman, Domenic Ruggiero's first collegiate goal off assists from Bora Eldem and Tom Mertz. However, Santa Clara notched the game-winner in the 82nd minute, despite being outshot 17-14 in the game.
 
About Mercyhurst
The Lakers will be seeking their first win after dropping games to Penn State (3-2) and Drexel (2-0) to begin the year. Alvar Silva and Max Beech each have a goal, while Silva has the only assist. Jaime Tedaldi has played every minute in goal, racking up 12 saves.
 
Series History
This will be the third meeting between these two teams, with Mercyhurst holding a 1-0-1 advantage. Two years ago on Krenzler Field, the Lakers prevailed 2-0 before holding on for a 2-2 draw last season.
 
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.
 
Tough at Home
Cleveland State is a tough team to beat on Krenzler Field under coach Ubiparipovic, sporting a 33-11-10 overall mark, which includes two Horizon League tournaments. Dating back to 2005, the most wins at home in a single season is eighth, which was done in 2010, followed by seven last season.
 
Home Openers
The Vikings are unbeaten in its last four home openers with an overall mark of 3-2-2 under coach Sini.
 
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
Cleveland State takes to the road on Tuesday, Sept. 1 for a 6 p.m. contest at Canisius.