LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky men's soccer team defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 2-1 on Monday evening in the team's first exhibition match.
"It was a really encouraging first match together for this new team," said head coach
Stu Riddle.
"We've had four days together and to come to one of the top teams in the country and get a victory is a very positive first step. We have plenty to work on and will be straight back on the training pitch tomorrow as we look to improve ahead of our next match."
NKU SCORING SUMMARY
- Tom Suchecki scored goals in the 27th and 30th minutes to give NKU a 2-0 lead in the first half.
- Suchecki's opening goal came off a bouncing ball at the 18-yard box that he shot to the left of the goalkeeper.
- His second goal was a brace that beat the goalkeeper from more than 20 yards out.
BETWEEN THE POSTS
- Jim Barkei made one save in the net for the Norse. He played all 90 minutes in goal for NKU.
FIRST HALF SUMMARY
- The teams were scoreless for more than 26 minutes in the first half, after which Suchecki put the Norse ahead 1-0 with his first goal of the contest.
- NKU doubled its lead minutes later, when Suchecki scored his second goal of the match.
SECOND HALF SUMMARY
- NKU had two chances to extend its lead in the second half but couldn't capitalize on the opportunities.
- Wlademir Babaew tried to put the Norse further ahead in the 57thminute, but his header was denied on a great save by the Kentucky goalkeeper.
- Later in the half, another fine save prevented Abdul Kooistra's shot from going into the back of the net.
- In the 75th minute, Kentucky was able to pull one back to make the score 2-1. JJ Williams connected on a cross from Connor Probert to get the Wildcats within a goal.
GAME NOTES
- Kentucky had 16 shots in the match, compared to five shots for the Norse.
- However, each team had four shots on goal.
- The Wildcats recorded nine corner kicks in the game, while NKU had just one.
UP NEXT
The Norse will host FC Cincinnati's reserve team on Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at NKU Soccer Stadium, and the match will be broadcast on ESPN3.
