The Cleveland State men’s soccer team completed a shutout of Northern Kentucky in a rainy battle with a 3-0 victory at Krenzler Field.

The game started with neither team able to capitalize on the wet conditions. Both teams had chances in the shot department, but the goalies held strong through 39 minutes of play before Saahb Kular was able to find the back of the net for the Vikings off a pass from Jannis Schmidt.

Cleveland State held a 9-4 shot advantage after one half of play. 

With the rain continuing to fall into the second half, the Vikings struck again as Bojan Kolevski was able to score on a breakaway pass from Schmidt in the 52nd minute. The goal pushed the Cleveland State lead to 2-0 and put the Vikings in the driver’s seat the rest of the way.

CSU was able to hold off several late attacks from the Norse to preserve the shutout. The Vikings were able to add salt to the wound with a 90th minute goal from Thomas M’Barek to seal Northern Kentucky’s fate. Schmidt recorded his third assist of the night on the score.  

The Green and White finished with a huge 19-8 shots advantage, including a 9-3 shots on goal advantage. The Vikings attack was relentless for most of the night as they controlled the clock down the stretch. 

Goalkeeper Omeed Naeemy recorded his 4th shutout of the season in the victory. He managed 3 saves for the Green and White. Daniel Bermingham recorded 5 saves for the Norse but also allowed three goals in the loss. 

The victory improves the Vikings to 8-5, including a 7-1 conference record. Cleveland State can clinch the Horizon League regular season crown with a win in their next contest. 

Cleveland State will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 23 to take on UIC in another conference matchup at Krenzler Field. Prior to the game, a senior day celebration will be held in order to acknowledge the achievements of CSU's graduating class.