Cleveland State University’s men’s soccer team is set to open its 2026 season at Krenzler Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Friday, August 28 at 7:00 PM, welcoming Mercyhurst to the venue where the Vikings captured their second Horizon League Tournament Championship last year.
A Familiar Rival Returns
Mercyhurst arrives after a rocky start, having dropped early matches to Penn State and Drexel, but the Lakers are eager to break through and secure their first win of the campaign. The series between the two programs stands at 1‑0‑1 in favor of Mercyhurst, with the Vikings holding a narrow edge on their home turf.
Coach Sinisa Ubiparipovic, a two‑time Horizon League Coach of the Year, enters his eighth season at the helm with a career record of 51‑44‑20 overall and 31‑21‑11 in league play. Under his guidance the Vikings have compiled a formidable home record, posting 33 wins, 11 losses and 10 ties in recent seasons.
Key contributors are back and ready to make an impact. Freshman of the Year Uzman Ramees returns to anchor the midfield, while senior Tom Mertz, a First‑Team All‑League selection for the second straight year, brings a proven knack for scoring, having netted three league goals last season.
Looking Ahead
The Vikings will test their early-season form on the road just days later, traveling to face Canisius in Buffalo, New York, on September 1 at 6:00 PM. The matchup promises to be another competitive chapter in a schedule that blends home confidence with challenging away trips.