Northern Kentucky University Athletics

Box Score

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team was led by seniors Mohammad Salhieh and Brendan Murphy as the Norse claimed a 2-1 victory over Jacksonville on senior night.
 
NKU's six seniors were recognized prior to kickoff at the NKU Soccer Stadium and it led to an inspirational first-half performance from Salhieh. Salhieh opened up the scoring in the 9th minute with a spectacular chip over the head of the Jacksonville goalkeeper Gavin Carlin. Salhieh settled the ball from 25-yards out and caught the opposing keeper out of position.

He flicked the ball over the head of the 6-foot-5 Carlin and it landed in the back of the net, giving the Norse a quick 1-0 lead.
 
Salhieh nearly doubled his tally in the 12th-minute when he had another look at goal from just outside the edge of the penalty area. He struck the ball powerfully but it kept rising and went well high of the target. A.J. Fleak was called into action in the 15th minute to save a shot attempt from Guilherme Brandao. The shot never really troubled Fleak, who was in the position to make the save. The Norse ended the half controlling most of the possession and they would be content to hold on to the 1-0 lead after the opening 45 miniutes.

The Norse would come out on the attack to start the second half when Brendan Murphy took an attempt at goal in the 53rd minute. He shot was saved by Carlin, but Murphy would get the better of him just two minutes later.

Nick McGregor played a brilliant ball over the Jacksonville defenders that found a wide-open Murphy. Murphy took one touch and sent the ball hard and low past the Jacksonville keeper. Murphy would get his second goal in the past four games and give the Norse some breathing room with a 2-0 lead.
 
The Dolphins battled back and Kelly Griffin was able to beat Fleak in the 75th minute to cut the Norse lead in half. Things got very nerve-wrecking in the 84th minute when Matheus Saroli got by Ian O'Reilly and attempted to chip the ball over Fleak. The Norse keeper saw the play developing and came out from goal to make the save that would ensure the Norse victory.

NKU moved to 7-3-6 (4-1-1) on the year. The Norse's seven wins matches the total from their 2012 record, which was 7-10-1 (4-3-1).
 
The Norse have three games remaining in the 2013 season and they will continue play at UNC-Asheville on Wednesday Oct. 30.  Live stats will be available on nkunorse.com and be sure to follow @NKUNorseMSOC on Twitter for updates on the NKU men's soccer team.