Kevin Donnelly (4) reacts after scoring against UW-Parkside on Friday.
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Box score
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team pulled out a defensive struggle against Wisconsin-Parkside with a 1-0 victory over the visiting Rangers on Friday.
Kevin Donnelly (left) netted the only goal of the contest at the 18:31 mark by blasting in a 25-yard laser for his first marker of the season. Donnelly chased down the rebound after a corner kick and blasted the shot from out front to give NKU a 1-0 lead.
NKU improved to 8-1 overall, 6-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Norse, who had been ranked No. 1 in the nation until last Sunday's 2-1 loss at Missouri S&T, are currently 10th in the Division II poll.
Wisconsin-Parkside dropped to 5-3-1 overall, 3-3-1 in the GLVC.
NKU controlled the field most of the first half and held a 6-1 edge in shot attempts at intermission. Wisconsin-Parkside battled back in the second half and attempted five corner kicks to none for the Norse during the final 45 minutes of play.
NKU goalie
Ben Dorn made three saves to notch the shutout. Norse defender
Ian O'Reilly also came through with a clutch play late in the second half by clearing a ball that appeared destined to cross the goal line.
The Norse finished with a 12-4 advantage in shots, but the Rangers owned a 7-4 edge in corner kicks.
A year ago, NKU and Wisconsin-Parkside played to a 2-2 draw in Somers, Wis. The Rangers still hold a 13-12-4 lead in the all-time series, but NKU is 8-0-2 against Wisconsin-Parkside in the past 10 meetings.
NKU plays host to Lewis at noon Sunday in another key GLVC contest.
