HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team will return to action this weekend, hosting one of its most challenging non-conference opponents of the season in Carson-Newman College on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Town & Country Sports Complex in Wilder, Ky.
The Norse (2-0) jumped two positions in the NCAA Division II national poll to No. 3 this week after a successful opening weekend, defeating West Virginia Wesleyan in double overtime, 2-1, before coming home to trounce Charleston (W.Va.), 9-0. The Norse will have to prepare for a tougher challenge against the Eagles, however, who finished 2007 with a 15-4-2 record and an appearance in the Appalachian Region final, where they were eliminated by Lincoln Memorial.
Friday will mark the first time the Norse and Eagles have met in men's soccer NKU is 14-12 all-time against teams it has played just one time.
NKU will wrap up the weekend's action on Sunday against Findlay. The Norse will play the second game of a doubleheader that kicks off with the women's contest between the same two schools at 6 p.m.
ABOUT THE EAGLES: Carson-Newman is led by junior forward Omar Cooke, who had nine goals and one assist in 2007, earning him second-team All-South Atlantic Conference honors. Defensively, the Eagles return goalkeeper Jordan Moore, who played every minute in net in 2007, maintaining a 0.79 goals allowed average and a .800 save percentage.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: NKU's
Steven Beattie was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week after netting four goals last weekend, including both game-winning tallies. For the Skerries, Ireland, native it marked the second time in his career that he has been selected for the honor. Beattie was also a third team All-GLVC selection in 2007.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT: Newcomers for the Norse are affecting the scoreboard early and often. Of NKU's 11 goals this season, six have been scored by players in their first season with the Norse.
Zach Roesch has two goals, the most of any newcomer.
MORE OF THE SAME: The Norse enjoyed success in 2007 thanks to a stifling defense that allowed just 2.5 shots on goal per game to opponents. This season, the defense has continued that trend, allowing just three shots on goal in each of their first two contests.
Michael Lavric has made five saves on those six attempts for an .833 save percentage.
JOHN TOEBBEN SOCCER CLINIC: The Norse will also host the 2008 John Toebben Soccer Clinic on Saturday beginning at 12:30 p.m. Kids ages 14 and under are invited to attend and get instruction from NKU coaches and players. There is no cost for the event and no registration is necessary.
