Northern Kentucky University Athletics

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Horizon League play opened for Northern Kentucky men's soccer with a 1-0 setback to Robert Morris at NKU soccer stadium on Saturday night. NKU slides to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in league play, while RMU improve to 1-3, including a 1-0 conference mark.

Riddle Quote
"We gave up one moment that cost us the game, effectively. You can't have situations where you take 15 shots with the attacking prowess that we've got and not score a goal. The back line was fine. Goals like RMU's are going to happen, but you need the guys at the other end of the field making sure that they convert."

Scoring

• RMU's Bryan Akongo provided the lone goal of the match, when he converted on a loose ball played into the box off a free kick.

Between the Posts

• Daniel Bermingham (2-3-0) stopped three shots and allowed the one goal.
• Mike Zolnierczyk (1-1-0) earned the win after stopping six Norse shots.

Match Summary

• Northern Kentucky outshot RMU in the first half, 8-5, which included a 3-2 advantage in shots on goal, but the Colonials had the advantage on the scoreboard with a 1-0 advantage.
• NKU was on the gas pedal early with Sam Robinson putting two shots on frame and Jesse Randall adding a shot on goal of his own within the first 16 minutes of play. The duo forced Zolnierczyk to make the saves.
• RMU's first shot didn't come until the 18^th minute and Bermingham was there to snuff out the threat.
• Ben Hegge and Robinson both had shots blocked over the next few moments of play.
• While the action remained intense, shots were at a premium for the next 10-15 minutes of action.
• Akongo but the Colonials on the board just under 40 minutes into the match.
• Randall had another attempt blocked in the final minute.
• Robert Morris was on the attack early in the second, and Bermingham made a save in the 56^th to keep the deficit at one for the Norse.Randall had a good look in the 67^th that he sent high.
• As NKU pushed for a late goal, Dylan Bufton got his foot on two shots in the 87^th minute that threatened for the equalizer, but Zolnierczyk saved both shots.

Norse Notes

• NKU closed the match with 15 shots compared to 10 for RMU. The Norse placed six on goal, but were unable to tally the equalizer.
• Hegge and Randall both took four shots, while Robinson and Bufton attempted three apiece with two each being put on frame.
• This marks the first time in five games the Norse have been kept off the scoreboard.

Next Up
Northern Kentucky has a six-day layoff and then heads out on the road for a two-game swing. The Norse first travel to Purdue Fort Wayne for a Saturday, Sept. 18, tilt before heading to Louisville to square off against the Cardinals on Tuesday, Sept. 21.

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