Michael Bartlett scored the game-winner for NKU in Sunday's 2-1 win over Ashland.
Box score
ASHLAND, Ohio –
Michael Bartlett's goal with just over three minutes left in regulation time was enough to give the Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team the 2-1 edge over Ashland in Sunday's battle between ranked teams.
NKU (2-0) entered the contest as the top-ranked team in Division II, while Ashland (1-1) came in as the 20th-ranked squad. The win was the first for the Norse on the road against the Eagles since 1996. NKU was 0-2-2 in its last four trips to Ashland, including a scoreless draw in 2009.
After a scoreless first half, the Norse got on the board off the boot of
Nicholas Chiarot, who took a pass off a set piece from
Mason Cassady and tucked the shot inside the post from six yards out.
Ashland's Jamie Dollar tied things up in the 71st minute, deflecting his direct free kick off the NKU wall and past NKU goalkeeper
Ben Dorn for the equalizer.
Bartlett's winner came in the 87th minute after the Norse picked up another set piece. The ball was served into the penalty area and scrambled around before the Bishop Brossart alum poked it home to give NKU the edge.
NKU outshot Ashland, 10-5, in a very physical game that saw 10 yellow cards issued between the two teams.
The Norse now head home to open Great Lakes Valley Conference play on Friday against Kentucky Wesleyan. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
