Box score
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team held the edge in the shot column, but could not find a goal against Wisconsin-Green Bay as the Norse dropped a 1-0 decision to open the 2012 season.
NKU (0-1) wraps up the opening weekend on Sunday at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern.
“I was really pleased with our performance,” said head coach
John Basalyga. “Our kids outplayed [Green Bay] for most of the game and got some good chances late. We got behind their defense and just didn't take care of our quality chances.”
The game's lone goal came in the 52nd minute, as Green Bay's Kirby Allen intercepted a misplayed ball in the Norse defense and snuck a shot into the right corner of the net to secure victory for the Phoenix (1-0).
“We've been emphasizing defense and organization in the back line in practice this week, and I think we improved in that area since the Kentucky game,” added Basalyga of the defensive play. “But if we can continue to press this level of competition and forcing the issue with our opponents like we did tonight, I will be very pleased with this team.”
The Norse held the edge on shots, 11-7, despite having to play a man down for much of the contest after
Gavin Colton received a straight red card in the 27th minute. Despite the disadvantage, the NKU defense held strong, allowing just three shots on goal by the opposition.
NKU had their chances to equalize in the second half, as
Nicholas Chiarot had a strong shot turned away by GB goalkeeper Ryan Wehking in the 64th minute. The Norse also had a pair of corner kick chances late in the game, but failed to turn either of them into a shot opportunity.
The loss snaps a string of five straight season-opening wins for the Norse, who are opening their inaugural season as a member of NCAA Division I.
