PEORIA, Ill. – The Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team was edged on the road by Bradley, 1-0. Brad Lesch scored the only goal of the game in the 61st minute for the Braves.
NKU (2-7) controlled the game early on, generating three early shots and controlling possession. In the 10th minute,
Kevin Walker, the Atlantic Sun Conference Co-Player of the Week, had a shot from 10 yards out go just over the bar. Eight minutes later, Andrew Brown sent in a shot for Bradley (5-3-2), but Norse keeper
A.J. Fleak made his first save of the match.
Northern Kentucky's best chance to score in the first half came in the 39th minute.
Brendan Murphy made a long run with the ball down the near side and slid a pass to Nick Chiarot. His shot was saved by Bradley keeper Brian Billings. The teams went into the half tied at zero, with Bradley holding a slim 8-6 advantage in shots.
The Braves found the game's only goal in the 61st minute. Keegan Balle served a ball into the box off a throw-in and Brad Lesch collected it and beat Fleak to put the Braves up, 1-0.
The Norse came close to equalizing in the 84th minute.
Mohammad Salhieh found space off a run inside the 18-yard box, but his shot went just wide off the far post and out for a goal kick. With just under 30 seconds remaining,
Cian McDonald was served a ball from long distance, but his header went over the bar. It proved to be the final chance of the game as the Braves held on for a 1-0 win.
NKU ended the match with 11 shots, just five behind Bradley, which had 16. The Norse also held the advantage in corner kicks, 4-3. Fleak made three saves in net for NKU.
The Norse will open up their regular season home schedule on Thursday evening. It will also mark their first Atlantic Sun contest, as they will welcome in Florida Gulf Coast. Kickoff at the NKU Soccer Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.
