Robert Morris Men Waste Lead, Fall to Cleveland State 4-2

From Robert Morris Univ.Athletics reports
Moon Township, Pa. (Aug. 28, 2016) – Sophomore forward Raphael Bruzual scored twice but the Robert Morris University men’s soccer team gave up four unanswered goals in a 4-2 loss to Cleveland State at North Athletic Complex Sunday afternoon. The Colonials remain winless in two tries this season while the Vikings improve to 2-0.
 
Cleveland State seemed content to play a possession game for much of the first half, but what looked like a safe play for the Vikings defense turned into the game’s first goal thanks to the hustle of Rafael Bruzual. The Venezualan-forward chased down a soft pass to Cleveland State keeper Sebastian Kalk, blocking the clearance attempt. The resulting carom went 20 yards, deflecting off the right post and Bruzual was there to knock it home for his first of the season with just under five minutes left in the first half.
 
Keane Mc Ivor, carrying down the right wing, sent a hard cross to the far post in the game’s 65th minute. Bruzual was there to send a header from 10 yards off the right post and in, his second goal of the game giving RMU a 2-0 lead.
 
Cleveland State struck back with a cheap goal in the 66th minute. A foul on the Colonials gave the Vikings a direct from 25 yards out in the center of the field. While RMU keeper Matt Bisceglia and his defense attempted to set up a wall in anticipation of a whistle to restart play, Dan Koniarczyk sent an uncontested shot into the back of the net, cutting the lead in half.
 
Unable to regain their composure after the first CSU score, RMU allowed Koniarczyk to send a corner kick to the far left post where Kevin Blackwood headed the ball back into the center of the box. Gabe Pewu had an easy finish from there, sending home his first of the season from six yards out.
 
Cleveland State took its first lead of the game when Jake Lagania played a cross from the left corner to the center of the box. For the second time in the half, Pewu was in the right place, his left-footed side volley finding the back of the net in the 78th minute. Hesham Hammouda then iced the game, firing a shot from 30 yards out that somehow found its way under Bisceglia’s hands and into the left corner.
 
Biceglia finished with two saves for RMU while Kalk had none for the Vikings. CSU held an 11-8 edge in shots.
 
Robert Morris is off until Sunday, Sept. 4, when they play host to Hartwick in a 1:00 p.m. match at North Athletic Complex.

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).