Opening Whistle
The Vikings will welcome nationally ranked No. 19 FAU to Krenzler Field for a first-time matchup between two NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago.
 
Ranked Teams
Cleveland State has hosted four ranked teams on Krenzler Field under head coach Sinisa Ubiparipovic, sporting a 0-3-1 record in those games. Overall, the Vikings are 0-8-2 against top 25 squads.
 
Last Game Out
The Vikings picked up their first win of the year behind a strong first half, defeating Canisius 3-1 on Tuesday evening. Djordje Petrovic opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 23rd minute, and Tom Mertz bagged goals in the 30th and 39th minutes, extending the lead to 3-0.
 
Canisius ruined the shutout in the 73rd minute behind a penalty kick. The Vikings dominated the shot count 17-3, including a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal, as Mertz had a game-best eight shots, with half of those on frame. Aleksander Kolar picked up his first collegiate win in goal after making a save.
 
About the Owls
FAU sports a 2-0-2 overall record and is ranked No. 19 in the latest coaches poll, which matches the highest rank since the 2025 championship season. The Owls are coming off a 3-3 draw against No. 20 NC State and are 1-0-0 on the road this season.
 
Xavi Csato and Michel Tentchou are tops on the team with two goals, and David Jesus has a team-best three assists. Alfred Mikkelsen has played every minute in goal, racking up 13 saves and three shutouts.
 
Series History
This will be the first meeting between these two teams in program history.
 
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 begin Horizon League play on the road at Oakland on Wednesday, September 9 at 7 p.m.