Bulls Win Late Thriller at Cleveland State

Sunday, September 22

1 pm

University at Buffalo

1-4-3

Cleveland St.

3-5-0

BUFFALO

Cleveland State

Bulls Win Late Thriller at Cleveland State

9/22/2013 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

CLEVELAND, OH - Facing an aggressive Cleveland State offense that put up season-high numbers for a UB opponent, the Buffalo men's soccer won its first game of the season and the Stu Riddle era Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 win. A penalty kick goal in the 84th minute from freshman Russell Cicerone - his second in as many games - would be the difference in the game. Goalie Waleed Cassis also starred in the game, making seven saves in his second shutout of the season for UB (1-4-3).

"I'm very proud of the team, we have been through a lot so far this season and they kept believing and got a great victory today, said Riddle. "Cleveland State is a very good side with a great home record, and I expect this boost to kick-start our season from this point forward."

The Vikings (3-4), who won the 2012 Horizon League title, and this is just the ninth loss at home for Cleveland State over the past five seasons. It was an uphill climb all afternoon for UB, who were out-shot 21-6 and allowed 14 corner kicks while not taking a single one on their end. Of the six total shots attempted by Buffalo, three quality shots would be taken in the first 17 minutes of play. Nicolai Berry and Kristian Lee-Him each put a shot on frame in the opening ten minutes, and Shane Sitar would find his shot carom of the post in the 17:01 mark.

With Cleveland State turning the momentum from that point on, it was up to Cassis and the defense to stem the tide and keep the Bulls in the match. After a late save punched away in the first half, the junior would make six more saves in the closing 45 minutes, including a buzzer-beating attempt from CSU with seconds remaining.

The Buffalo offense would catch a critical break late in the match, when a blatant hand-ball in the box by a Vikings defender drew a straight red card and a penalty kick opportunity in the 84th minute. After hitting the game-tying goal Friday at Detroit off a penalty kick, Cicerone was tabbed to put the Bulls ahead and did just that. It was his team-leading third goal of the year.

The win wraps up the team's longest road trip of the season, and it will now return home to UB Stadium on Friday for a match against Cornell. As part of a doubleheader with the women's team, the Bulls will take on the Big Red at 5 pm before the women open the Mid-American Conference season against Ball State at 7:30.