CLEVELAND, Ohio — #1 Cleveland St. outlasted #2 Purdue Fort Wayne 1-0 in double overtime on Saturday, advancing past the second-ranked Mastodons in a tightly contested Horizon League Championship match before 500 spectators. Matteo Correia broke the deadlock in the 103rd minute with an assist from Paolo Roditti, delivering the decisive blow after 102 minutes of scoreless play.
The Vikings entered the match riding a two-game winning streak, including a 2-0 victory over #5 Robert Morris in their previous outing. Purdue Fort Wayne arrived with momentum of their own after battling #3 Green Bay to a 2-2 draw in triple overtime just three days earlier. Both teams' championship aspirations hinged on this encounter, making the defensive intensity and tactical discipline evident throughout regulation.
Cleveland St. controlled possession for much of the first half, generating 20 total shot attempts compared to Purdue Fort Wayne's five. The Vikings' attacking pressure produced six shots on goal, yet goalkeeper Sep Habibi stood firm for the Mastodons, recording five saves through 90 minutes. Purdue Fort Wayne managed only two shots on goal in regulation, reflecting a defensive approach that prioritized structure over offensive ambition.
Correia's winning goal came from close range after the Vikings sustained pressure in the attacking third during the second overtime period. The finish capped a marathon effort that tested both teams' conditioning and mental fortitude. Ryan Poling, Cleveland St.'s goalkeeper, made two crucial saves to preserve the shutout, including a stop on Marco Valencia's attempt in the 62nd minute.
Lennart Heck received a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 68th minute, the match's only disciplinary action. Cleveland St. dominated the corner-kick battle, earning five compared to Purdue Fort Wayne's four, though neither team converted set-piece opportunities into goals during regulation. The Vikings' superior shot volume and territorial advantage ultimately proved decisive in the extended periods.
Purdue Fort Wayne made tactical adjustments throughout the contest, including substituting Christian Agyekum and Iann Topete in the 61st minute to inject fresh attacking options. The Mastodons pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages of regulation, but Cleveland St.'s defensive organization, anchored by the backline work of Jacob Deever and Daniel Celso, held firm when it mattered most.
The marathon encounter showcased the physical and mental demands of championship soccer at the Division I level. Both teams demonstrated the technical quality and resilience expected of national championship contenders, with neither willing to surrender despite the grueling pace. Cleveland St.'s ability to maintain composure through two overtime periods separated the Vikings from their opponent in a match that could have shifted either direction with one moment of carelessness.
The victory underscores Cleveland St.'s tournament pedigree and tournament resume credentials. Purdue Fort Wayne's loss snaps their recent positive momentum, though the Mastodons' strong regular-season record and recent performances against elite competition remain noteworthy. This result demonstrated that in high-stakes NCAA Division I soccer, depth, defensive discipline, and the ability to capitalize on limited opportunities ultimately determine outcomes.