Steven Beattie (5) prepares to deliver a goal in the second half against Ashland.
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Box score
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. –
Steven Beattie scored a goal and added an assist to lead the Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team to a 3-2 win against Ashland in a battle of nationally ranked teams Sunday afternoon.
NKU, ranked No. 6 nationally in the NCAA Division II poll, fought back from a 1-0 deficit to hand No. 12 Ashland its first loss of the season. Jamie Dollar's goal in the 26th minute gave Ashland (5-1) a 1-0 lead, but NKU countered in the 41st minute when
Mohammad Salhieh struck for his third goal of the season off assists from Beattie and
Nicholas Chiarot.
NKU (5-0-1) gained a 2-1 lead at the 76:13 mark when Beattie blasted a six-yard shot into the back of the net off a corner kick.
Mike Martin picked up the assist on Beattie's goal. It was Beattie's fifth marker of the season.
The Norse extended their advantage to 3-1 at the 77:24 mark when
Paul Andrews blasted a free kick from midfield past Ashland goalie Justin Nolan. Ashland responded with an Adam Spannbauer goal, but the NKU defense held on in the final minutes to give the Norse the non-conference victory.
NKU finished with a 19-10 edge in shot attempts. The Norse also owned a 9-7 lead in corner kicks.
NKU upped its lead in the all-time series with Ashland to 5-2-2. A year ago, NKU and Ashland played to a scoreless draw in Ashland, Ohio.
NKU resumes Great Lakes Valley Conference play Friday with a road contest at Wisconsin-Parkside.
