NASHVILLE, Tenn. –
Kevin Walker scored the go-ahead goal with 1:25 remaining in regulation as the Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team defeated Belmont, 2-1.
With the game appearing to be headed for overtime, Walker's scored the go-ahead goal to send NKU (1-6) to its first win as a Division I men's soccer program.
Gavin Colton served a ball to Walker, and he was able to beat Belmont goalkeeper Lou Manning to put the Norse in front.
Head coach
John Basalyga has been impressed with Walker's play this season. “He's very physical for a freshman. He's played really well. Today he was adamant and he came in the last six minutes of the game and made something happen. He's been working hard everyday in practice, and it's paying off.”
Belmont (3-5-1) opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Pedro Miranda scored his first goal of the season. It was the only goal of a quiet first half, with each team taking just one shot.
The Norse found the equalizer in the 71st minute.
Cian McDonald ran onto a through ball that was served by
Nick Toney, and McDonald sent it past Manning for his first goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1.
The win gives NKU momentum as the Norse prepare for a short turnaround, as they play Western Illinois on Tuesday evening.
“It's good to get the monkey off our back. It's a good win on the road. All of the hard work the guys have put in paid off today,” said Basalyga. “In the first half, we did not look very good. We came out with a lot more determination in the second half. Belmont did some nice things,
A.J. Fleak was forced to make a couple saves, but it's a real nice win for us.”
The Norse will travel to Macomb, Ill. to face Western Illinois on Tuesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
