Season Opener Preview
The Cleveland State Vikings women's soccer team will begin its 2026 season with a home opener against the Duquesne Dukes on Thursday, August 20 at 7 p.m. at Krenzler Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The match marks the first of what promises to be a competitive stretch for the Vikings, who finished their previous road swing with a 5‑0 defeat at Eastern Kentucky.
Cleveland State’s road trip ended in a 5‑0 loss to Eastern Kentucky, a game in which the Vikings managed a penalty kick in the second half before the hosts pulled ahead in the closing minutes. Despite the setback, the team showed moments of resilience, and head coach hopes the experience will translate into a stronger performance against Duquesne.
Duquesne arrives at the match winless, sitting at 0‑1‑0 after a 3‑1 loss to Eastern Michigan in their season opener. The Dukes struck first with a penalty from Jayden Sharpless in the 12th minute, but the Eagles equalized at halftime and ultimately secured the victory. Kayla Leseck leads the Dukes in career points with 14 and is among the program’s top ten assistants.
Key Players to Watch
Senior captain Olivia Cruz and junior co‑captain Cortlyn Hefty will anchor the midfield, while goalkeeper Hayleigh Lewis, who sits ninth in program history with 71 career saves, is expected to guard the net. Their leadership and experience provide a solid foundation for the Vikings.
Kayla Leseck’s playmaking skills and Jayden Sharpless’s knack for converting from the spot could pose a direct challenge to the Vikings’ defense, making the duel between Lewis and Sharpless a focal point of the match.