Michael Holder scored two goals in NKU's 3-2 win over Centre on Saturday evening.
DANVILLE, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team closed out its preseason play on Saturday night with a 3-2 victory over Centre.
Michael Holder bookended the NKU scoring, notching two goals in the contest, while
Ben Rascona accounted for the third.
Holder's first tally came in the 17th minute.
Anthony Meyer sent a throw into the box where Holder was able to put it home from 15 yards out to give the Norse the early advantage.
Rascona extended the lead in the 32nd minute, taking a pass from
Brodie Steigerwald at midfield and working forward for a shot from eight yards out to extend the lead to 2-0 at the half.
Holder's second goal came in the 63rd minute when the sophomore converted a penalty kick after being fouled by the goalkeeper inside the 18-yard box.
Centre came back fighting, netting goals in the 78th and 83rd minutes and had a chance to tie it in the final seconds, but freshman goalkeeper
Evan Peul was able to keep the equalizer out and preserve the victory.
The Norse, ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Division II preseason poll, begin the defense of their national championship on Thursday when they travel to face Findlay in the regular season opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
NKU's home opener comes on Sept. 9 against Great Lakes Valley Conference foe Kentucky Wesleyan.
