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HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The season came to a close Saturday afternoon for the Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team as the Norse fell to Lipscomb in overtime, 1-0, at the NKU Soccer Stadium.
Lipscomb (6-11-1 overall, 3-4-1 Atlantic Sun Conference) scored the winning goal just 21 seconds into the overtime period. The ball was sent into the box, and Ryan Savitsky headed it toward Tyler Burkhardt, who then headed the ball just inside the near post, to give Lipscomb the victory.
NKU (7-10-1, 4-3-1 Atlantic Sun Conference) was picked to finish eighth in the A-Sun in the preseason coaches' poll, but the Norse ended the season in fourth place with 13 points. Due to the reclassification process in Division I, NKU is not eligible for the A-Sun Tournament this season.
NKU controlled possession in the first half, and outshot the Bisons by an 8-3 margin in the period. Things turned around for Lipscomb in the second half, as the Bisons outshot the Norse, 5-3. Despite both teams creating chances in each half, the game was scoreless at the end of regulation, and the match went to overtime.
The collegiate careers of
Michael Bartlett,
Shawn Parker, and
Mohab El Tawila came to a close. The three seniors helped lead a squad that featured 15 freshmen and six sophomores.
“It was a great time. It really did feel like it flew by. I learned a lot during my freshman year, and in my sophomore year I was able to make the starting 11, and we won the (Division II) national championship,” said Bartlett. “A lot of people picked us to finish last, and we ended up winning seven games. It was awesome.”
Parker also reflected on his career. “I was fortunate enough to play with a lot of good players. The national championship team in 2010 was a great team to play on,” he said. “I've just been lucky. I've been fortunate to play with these guys.”
El Tawila joined the Norse this year, and left a mark in his only season. “It was great coming out here and playing my senior season here. I've gained a lot of experience and had a lot of fun with my teammates,” he said.
NKU finished the season strong, going 7-4-1 after losing six straight to open the campaign. Three of the four losses during the season-ending run were by one goal.
