Gritter blasts 'M' soccer past Vikings

Freshman nets game-winner in overtime, lifts Michigan to 3-2 win

By Dan Williams

Daily Sports Writer

CLEVELAND - In the infant stages of the Michigan men's soccer team's varsity life, coach Steve Burns discovered that his squad has resiliency.

The Wolverines bested Cleveland State 3-2 in overtime despite giving up a goal just five minutes into the game. Freshman Tom Gritter led the charge for Michigan, netting two goals, including the game winner.

"We made sure we recruited guys with big character and a lot of heart," Burns said. "Cleveland State saw an opportunity for a win tonight. They hung in there the entire time, but it was nice shutting the door on them."

The win elevated Michigan to 2-0 on the season.

"It's a nice feeling," Burns said. "We told the team that in terms of building a program, these are the games that you've got to win, and they responded."

After the end of regulation, overtly audible Cleveland State coach Pete Curtis shouted at his players for not capitalizing on opportunities in the second half, when they controlled much of the game flow.

He then advised his team that they should be able to win the game within five minutes of overtime.

But it was Gritter who sealed the victory for Michigan early in the extra period on a set play. An Ian Hirschfield centering pass led to Gritter's scoring volley.

"We worked on the shooting drill, running it to the neasr post, and it worked out well," Gritter said of the overtime goal. "We've been doing all this stuff in practice, and it has come through in the game."

After holding DePaul scoreless on Friday, the Wolverines' shutout streak ended in the game's opening minutes. The Vikings' Mark Royer capitalized on a Michigan turnover and pounded a ball inside the penalty box past Michigan goalkeeper Albert Geldres, giving Cleveland State a 1-0 lead.

Gritter responded with his first goal, and the teams then traded penalty kicks. Michigan's penalty kick came towards the end of the first half as a long pass from the defense sent Gritter on a breakaway chance.

In the course of dribbling, Gritter and Viking goalie Josip Novkovic collided on what appeared to be a solid tackle.

After the penalty kick was awarded, Curtis, a native Englishman, became infuriated with the referee, labeling the call "a bloody disgrace."

Freshman Kevin Taylor scored on the penalty kick, but Cleveland State evened the contest and the penalty kick battle in the second half after Michigan committed a handball in the box.

The game stayed at 2-2 until Gritter capped his impressive night with the game-clinching goal.

Although the Wolverines remained undefeated in their brief varsity history, Burns noted that many learning experiences, and possibly some drubbings, lie ahead for the untested squad.

"This was a team where we matched up real well, but I don't think we'll see too many teams that we are physically able to compete with," Burns said.

"We're not going to trick ourselves into thinking that we are going to make a great run at a Big Ten championship here.

"We haven't seen a Top 20 program yet. That will be the experience where our players learn what it's like to be a Division I athlete."