GREEN BAY, Wis. – A late goal by So Nishikawa made all the difference in an epic 3-2 win for the Green Bay men's soccer team over Cleveland State on Saturday afternoon.
Green Bay rebounded from last week's loss at Purdue Fort Wayne to improve to 7-3-0 overall and 2-1-0 in Horizon play. The Vikings are still searching for their first conference win after falling to 2-4-3 overall and 0-2-1 in HL action.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Chris Album struck early with a goal in the 4th minute. Nishikawa floated a pass inside the box, which deflected off a Viking right to Album, who blasted a shot to the back of the net. The Phoenix survived a surge of shots from CSU following Album's team-leading fifth goal of the year, but goalkeeper Alvaro Rodriguez made four saves to maintain the 1-0 advantage. Andrew Paolucci had several chances to extend the lead not long before halftime but was offsides once, forced a save on the second try, and missed wide right on his third opportunity.
The Green and White ripped off a couple of shots early in the second frame before Myles Sophanavong scored his first goal of 2024 on a corner kick in the 51st minute. CSU responded quickly with a score a few minutes later, and it began to get chippy between both squads. Album was handed a red card in the 66th minute, his second of the season. Moments later, the Vikings tied the game on a goal from Marko Rimac. Each team got a shot off following Rimac's score and in the 84th minute, Green Bay had a great look off a throw-in. Nishikawa drilled a rocket of a shot off his right foot that went past a diving Ryan Poling in goal for CSU, and the Phoenix took a late 3-2 lead. Josip Rimac tried to tie the game in the final moments but came up short, and the Phoenix got back in the win column with a 3-2 triumph over Cleveland State.
GAME NOTES
- Sophanvong's goal in the first half was his third career score (fifth season).
- Green Bay had a slight edge in shots, 15-14, while CSU had a 9-8 advantage on goal.
- Cleveland State had 10 corner kicks to Green Bay's three.
COMING UP
Green Bay will be back in action next Saturday for a showdown against Wright State, which is currently in fourth place, just two points behind the Phoenix. The game will be available via live stats.
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