HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky men's soccer continued its stretch of good form with a 2-0 victory over visiting Memphis on Monday night at NKU Soccer Stadium. The Norse improved to 6-1-3 on the year, while the Tigers fall to 2-4-2.
 
"We were absolutely first class tonight from start to finish," stated NKU head coach Stu Riddle. "We have incredible desire and belief in this team and we are ready to go to battle in the Horizon League stretch of the season."
 
Scoring Summary

• Tom Suchecki put NKU on the scoreboard in the 20^th-minute courtesy of an assist from TJ Harris.
• A strike from Rizwaan Dharsey in the 48^th-minute provided Northern Kentucky's staunch defense with all the cushion it needed. Dharsey struck on a bouncing ball from Brett Wilson.

Between the Posts

• Jim Barkei and the Norse defense were up to the task once again this time out, as NKU's goalie made three saves on nine attempts from the Tigers.
• Barkei now has six clean sheets this year and improves to 6-1-3.
• Memphis' Jake Leeker played all 90 minutes in frame. Leeker made six saves in the game, but his drops to 2-4-2.

 
First-Half Summary

• Despite Memphis holding possession during the early moments of the half, NKU had the first two legitimate scoring chances. Abdul Kooistra collected a pass just outside the top of the box and fired a shot that was collected by UM's Leeker.
• A moment later, Rikard Lindqvist received a pass in the box and tried a bicycle kick, but his shot was wide left.
• Harris played a ball from the right wing in the 20^th minute that found Suchecki at the top of the box. Suchecki caught Leeker in no-man's land, took a touch and fired to the left side of the frame for his fourth goal of the season.
• Suchecki had another pair of shots in the 24^th and 34^th minutes. Both were saved by Leeker. All three of the junior's shot attempts in the opening half were put on frame.

Second-Half Summary

• Rizwaan Dharsey wasted little time in providing NKU with breathing room in the second half. Dharsey collected a ball from Brett Wilson that bounced over the defense, settled the ball and fired a shot to the lower left corner.
• Dharsey was a spark for the Norse during the second half, continually pressuring the Memphis defense. He also put shots on target that had to be saved by Leeker in the 54^th and 63^rd minutes.
• Lindqvist tried to get in on the scoring action, rocketing an attempt in the 78^th minute that sailed above the outstretched hand of Leeker and above the crossbar.

Norse Notes

• Suchecki's goal was the fourth of the season for the striker, matching Lindqvist's total as the team-high. He now has a team-best 10 points.
• Northern Kentucky's defense has been a stalwart in the last seven matches, allowing just two goals and posting six shutouts in the stretch.
• NKU outshot Memphis 15-9, including an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal.
• The goal from Dharsey was not only the first of the year for the junior, but it was the first of his career.
• The Norse are now 5-0-3 in the past eight matches, which includes six shutouts in those contests.

 
Next Up
Northern Kentucky resumes Horizon League play when it travels to Milwaukee on Sept. 30. The Panthers are 3-4-2 overall and 0-3-0 in league contests. They have a meeting with crosstown rival Marquette Tuesday night.