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Postgame Interview
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. –
Nick Toney's goal in the 34th minute proved to be all the Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team needed during a 1-0 victory against Stetson on Sunday afternoon.
The Norse (6-8-1 overall, 3-1-1 Atlantic Sun Conference) controlled possession for most of the match and outshot the Hatters (2-7-2, 1-3-1 Atlantic Sun) by 12-9 margin. NKU entered the match averaging just over 12 shots per game as a team, good for second place in the A-Sun.
The first 15 minutes of the match featured good scoring opportunities for both teams. Off a corner kick,
Ian O'Reilly's header was knocked off the line by a Stetson defender. Shortly after, the Hatters went on a counter-attack, and created a one-on-one chance with Eli Beates and NKU goalkeeper
A.J. Fleak. Beates' shot was toward the near post, but saved by Fleak.
The Norse got on the board in the 34th minute.
Craig Heard, the reigning A-Sun Player of the Week, dribbled to the edge of the 18-yard box on the far side and laced in a cross. The cross found
Nick Toney by the near post, and he headed it into the back of the net for this third goal of the season, giving NKU the 1-0 lead.
“I got the ball at midfield, and decided to play it wide,” said Toney of his goal. “In the end, I was able to get my head on the ball.”
The second half proved to be much more positive for the Norse, as they controlled possession and contained the Stetson offense to make the 1-0 lead hold up. NKU took four corner kicks in the second half, and created multiple scoring chances in the 18-yard box, and forced Stetson keeper Andreas Schnabl to make three saves.
“Any time you can go on a tough road trip, and come back and get a win is nice,” said head coach
John Basalyga after the win. “They bounced back nicely. They didn't play too well in the first half, but they came out much better in the second half and really picked up their energy.”
The Norse will now embark on their final road game of the season on Thursday when they travel to face Mercer, which is tied for first place in the A-Sun. Kickoff in Macon, Ga., is scheduled for 7 p.m.
