HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky,- The Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team (6-4-2, 3-1-2 Horizon League) fell to UIC (6-3-2, 3-0-1 Horizon League) 1-0 in overtime at home on Saturday. The Norse battled to what was their fifth overtime match of the season.
"All credit goes to UIC, they wanted it more than we did," NKU head coach
John Basalyga said. "They played hard and did what they had to do to win. We need to change out mentality going forward as we head into the next stretch of Horizon League matches."
In the opening frame, neither team was able to get the upperhand offensively. Northern Kentucky's
Diego Martinez and
Calvin Murphy each placed a shot on frame but UIC goalkeeper Andrew Putna was there for the save on each. The Norse defense was just as stingy, allowing only the Flames only four shots with one on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
Moving to the second half,
Campbell Morris accounted for the Norse's only shot on goal. The NKU defense also continued to hold strong fending off six shots and seven corner kicks with
A.J. Fleak hauling in three saves.
UIC got the golden goal in OT when Jose Fuentes found the net in the 96
th minutes with an assists by Manny Chavez. Chavez intercepted a Norse clearance passing to Fuentes at the top of the box who finished to the top-left corner for the game winner.
NKU finished the match taking four shot with three on goal and two corner kicks. Norse goalkeeper Fleak (5-4-1) notched four saves on 11 shots faced. UIC ended the day taking 11 shots with five on goal and nine corner kicks. Flames' keeper Putna finished with three saves on four shots faced.
Northern Kentucky continues Horizon League play on Saturday, Oct. 17 when they host Valparaiso at the NKU Soccer Stadium with kickoff slated for 4 p.m.
For more information on the Northern Kentucky University men's soccer program please visit NKUNorse.com. You can also get updates on the Norse throughout the season by following @NKUNorseMSOC on Twitter and Facebook.
Norse Notes- The Norse are 1-2-2 in overtime matches this season.
- This was Northern Kentucky's fifth first-time opponent faced in 2015.
