Robert Morris’ men’s soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision against Cleveland State on Wednesday afternoon.
The loss moved RMU to 0-2 in the season.
“After losing 5-0 to just 2-0 last week, we obviously want to make some improvements,” said head coach Jason O’Keefe.
“I thought we were a little more organized today, more people were on the same page and playing for each other, but Cleveland State did a good job, they were on the ball a lot.”
Cleveland State tested the Colonials backline early on and forced keeper Grant Glorioso (North Allegheny) to two saves against Pablo Kawecki and Andrew Nicholas.
After scoring just one shot on goal against Oakland last week, the Colonials managed to create several more chances against the CSU on Wednesday.
Preston Rushmore’s attempt from above was devoured by Naeemy Omeed for her first good scoring chance of the game.
Another volley from Gustaf Moberg towards the end of the first Omeed tested again, but the shot was saved again just before the 0-0 whistle sounded in the first half.
The CSU took over the competition in the middle of the second half and took a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute after Bojan Kolevski’s hit from outside the penalty area hit a glorioso into the top left corner to break the stalemate.
Cleveland State doubled their lead just five minutes later after Janis Schmidt received a penalty after a collision in the penalty area. Although Glorioso made the first save, Schmidt was well positioned to bring home the rebound follow-up.
RMU kept pushing and chasing a goal with a late counterattack, but couldn’t crack Omeed and the CSU backline who made several nice clearings on volleys into the box.
Tom Akinola’s attempt to spin in the penalty area was blocked before Bryan Akongo’s successor was swept clean to end the counterattack for RMU.
“There were only certain moments when we fell off our schedule and just didn’t do the work we did for a long time and then they punished you,” said O’Keefe.
“Good teams will punish you if you repeatedly make mistakes.”
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John Krysinsky has reported on football and other sports for various publications and media for many years. He is also the author of ‘Miracle on the Mon’ – a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC that chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium, the narrative leading to and centering on a remarkable game that sparked triggered for the franchise. John has reported sports for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports and Pittsburgh Sports Report, worked as a color commentator on broadcasts on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup games in the United States. Krysinsky also served as Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to their first successful seasons and playoff berths (1996-98). Head Coach of the North Catholic Boys (2007-08), Deputy Head Coach of the Boys of the Shady Side Academy (2009-2014).
