Box score
PITTSBURGH –
Nick Toney's two goals were not enough as the Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision on Friday night against the Pitt Panthers.
Nick Wysong netted three goals for Pitt, including the winning marker in the 87th minute. The Panthers improved to 4-0-2.
NKU (0-6) opened the scoring with Toney's first goal in the 15th minute. Toney beat Pitt keeper Lee Johnston from eight yards out, depositing a shot in the far right corner.
The Norse stretched their lead to 2-0 in the 54th minute. Off a turnover,
Kevin Walker fed a pass to Toney. Johnston came out to try to defend, but was unable to stop Toney's shot.
Pitt answered quickly. Wysong won possession inside the penalty box, and scored to bring Pitt within one. The score stood until the 76th minute, when Wysong scored his second goal off an assist by Ryan McKenzie.
Wysong secured a hat trick and put the Panthers ahead for good in the 87th minute. Matt Walbert sent in a corner kick, and Wysong scored off a header in the right corner of the goal to give Pitt a 3-2 advantage.
Despite the loss, head coach
John Basalyga was pleased with the offensive effort. “Nick (Toney) and Kevin (Walker) did a nice job of harassing the defense and creating chances. Tenacious work forced a lot of turnovers, especially early on.”
The Norse offense poured in 11 shots. Toney, Walker,
Brendan Murphy, and
Christian Johnson each accounted for two shots.
Ben Dorn made four saves in goal for NKU.
Northern Kentucky's next scheduled match is Sept. 22. The Norse will travel to Nashville, Tenn., to take on Belmont University.
