WILDER, Ky. – The top-ranked Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team faced a difficult challenge on Friday, but the Norse managed to hang on for a thrilling 2-1 decision over Great Lakes Valley Conference foe Quincy.
It was an own goal charged against the Hawks (5-1, 1-1 GLVC) with just under four minutes remaining in the second half that made the difference for NKU (6-0, 2-0 GLVC), which extended its regular-season winning streak to 28 games.
Steven Beattie scored his conference-best eighth goal of the season to open things up in the 15th minute, taking a through-ball pass from
Mike Jonca and depositing it in the back of the net for the early advantage.
Things heated up in the second half, with both teams trying to find the edge. The flared tempers resulted in five yellow cards during the stanza, with four of those going against NKU. The total foul count jumped from 11 in the first half to 23 in the second.
Branko Isailovic found the equalizer in the 82nd minute for Quincy, using a direct free kick from 28 yards out to notch his third marker of the season and tie the game at 1-all. For NKU goalkeeper
Michael Lavric, it was just the fourth career goal he has allowed to GLVC opponents dating back to Sept. 7, 2007.
Lavric made a career-high five saves in the win, while QU keeper Kyle Dillman stopped three shots on the other side.
NKU looks to continue its good fortune on Sunday when the Norse face Missouri S&T at the Town & Country Sports Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
