University of Louisville
CLEVELAND ST <BR>UofL Musselman Hotels Classic
Men's Soccer Wins Season Opener 3-1
September 03, 2004 | Men's Soccer
Sept. 3, 2004
Louisville, Ky. - Senior forward Justin Pierre scored two goals to lead the University of Louisville men's soccer team to a 3-1 win over Cleveland State in the Hilton Garden Inn- Airport Classic. The Cardinals will play UMKC at noon on Sunday, vying for the championship.
" I thought we played rather tentative, a little nervous in the first half," said head coach Tony Colavecchia. "I think our defense showed a lack of confidence and I wasn't really satisfied with our defensive effort. Matt Neely was superb in the midfield tonight. He covered every blade of grass."
The first half ended scoreless with the Cards only taking seven shots and Cleveland State only taking four. Louisville ended the half with four shots on goal but could not finish.
"We looked a lot more dominant in the second half," said Colavecchia. "We were able to create a lot of chances and could have created even more. I am happy for Pierre, he had his doubts, but he came out and scored two goals in his first game as a senior. I was pleased with our overall fitness, we have been stressing that lately and it was definitely a factor in the game."
Junior Jelani Grant got the Cardinals on the board in the 59th minute of play with a direct kick. Cleveland State's Spencer Lappin caught Cardinal goalkeeper Charlie Edwards out of the box and dribble around a defender to score just one minute later.
Then Pierre took a cross from sophomore Jonathan Williams and connected on a direct shot to move the Cards ahead in the 67th minute of play. Pierre then sealed the deal in the 75th minute off a cross from Ian Quattroucchi.
Freshman keeper Charlie Edwards finished his first collegiate game with two saves, both in the first half. The Viking's keeper Amir Kettani finished the match with eight saves.
