HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky – The Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team faces two Atlantic Sun teams this week at the NKU Soccer Complex. The Norse will host East Tennessee State on Wednesday Oct. 23 and then Jacksonville on Saturday Oct. 26.
The ETSU Buccaneers are currently ranked second in the A-Sun. They have a 6-4-3 (4-1) overall record that includes a 1-0 victory over nationally ranked No. 18 Alabama-Birmingham. The Buccaneers have been one of the best teams defensively in the conference as they have a goals against average (GAA) of 0.79. They lead the conference in that category and the Norse are second with a GAA of 1.09.
"They are a really, really good team," said head coach
John Basalyga. "They have been one of the kingpins in the conference over the past couple years. This game is going to be a challenge for us."
The Norse will then host Jacksonville on Saturday and the Dolphins currently have a 4-7-1 (2-2) overall record. Jacksonville will take on Georgia Southern on Oct. 22 before heading to Highland Heights for the first time in school history. The Norse defeated the Dolphins 2-1 last season in Jacksonville and they will look to get the best of the Dolphins who are fifth in the conference in goals per game at 1.08.
"Our guys have to come out mentally focused for this game," said Basalyga. "It has been a problem for us all year. We can't afford to be playing without focus because that is when games get away from you. I want our seniors to play like there is no tomorrow."
The Norse are currently 5-3-6 (2-1-1) on the year and their six draws in one season has set an A-Sun record. They have also played in nine overtime games this season, which is just two overtimes shy of tying the NCAA record for most overtimes in a season. NKU has played 140 minutes of extra time this season, which is equivalent to playing just over an extra game and a half.
"The amount of draws we have gotten has shown our inconsistency," said Basalyga. "I'm not disappointed with the record but I have always asked our guys to keep improving. We aren't losing but we also aren't getting any dog on wins. We haven't done a lot on offense but we can really defend. That is a tribute to our defensive players."
Promotions for the upcoming games include:
East Tennessee State 10/23
SOCIAL MEDIA/GREEK NIGHT: NKU students in Greek organizations are encouraged to come out to support the Norse. The organization with most participants will receive points that go towards the NKU athletics Greek competition.
SGA "Norse Rates" Tailgate: The NKU Student Government Association will be hosting a tailgate outside the NKU Soccer Stadium from 5:30-7 p.m.
Jacksonville 10/26
SENIOR NIGHT: NKU will honor its six graduating seniors before the start of the game. Those seniors include
Ben Dorn,
Nicholas Chiarot,
Craig Heard,
Brendan Murphy,
Mohammad Salhieh, and
Alex Weber.
FALL-O-WEEN: Presented by the NKU Kid's Club, will include a pumpkin and trick-or-treat bag decorating contest. Those who come to the game dressed in their Halloween costumes will receive $1 admission.
Live stats will be available for both games on nkunorse.com. A link to a live video broadcast for the ETSU game will be available on nkunorse.com as well. Updates on the game can be found on Twitter under @NKUNorse. While on Twitter, follow the official Twitter account of the NKU men's soccer team: @NKUNorseMSOC.
