Box score
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. –
Mohammad Salhieh's goal in the 86th minute proved decisive as Northern Kentucky University defeated Western Illinois, 1-0, on Tuesday evening.
NKU (2-6) outshot the Leathernecks 18-9 for the match, including a spell that saw the Norse not allow a shot in the first half hour. The Norse took four corner kicks on the evening, three of which came in the second half. Salhieh and
Danny Laird tied for the team lead with three shots each.
Pressure picked up in the second half from Western Illinois, as seven of the nine shots came in the final period.
A.J. Fleak, who was making his second start since returning from injury, made five saves and helped preserve the shutout for NKU.
The Norse's offensive pressure finally paid off in the 86th minute.
Shawn Parker served a ball into the penalty box, and it found Mohab el Tawila. His shot was deflected, but super substitute
Mohammad Salhieh collected the rebound and beat keeper Yves Dietrich with a shot to the left post.
Head coach
John Basalyga was pleased with his team's effort on the road. “We got a late winner again, and it was a good, physical game between two battling teams. We showed a lot of character and hung in there, even though we were tired. We battled all the way to the finish, and found a way to win.”
Tuesday's late goal marked the second consecutive match in which NKU scored in the final five minutes to take the lead. On Saturday, the Norse defeated Belmont behind an 89th minute goal from
Kevin Walker. Walker was named the Atlantic Sun Conference's Co-Player of the Week on Monday.
The Norse will travel to Peoria, Ill., on Saturday for a match against Bradley University. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m.
