PEORIA, Ill. – The Northern Kentucky men's soccer team found nothing but heartbreak on the road against the Braves of Bradley University, after conceding a game-winning goal in the 88' minute of this nonconference tilt. 
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Bradley – 2, Northern Kentucky 1
LOCATION: Shea Stadium – Peoria, Illinois
RECORDS: Bradley: 1-0-0 (0-0-0 Missouri Valley), Northern Kentucky: 0-1-0 (0-0-0 Horizon)
 
INSIDE THE NORSE BOX SCORE
- Ben Hegge netted the first goal of the season for the Norse in the 81' minute.
- Sam Robinson provided the first assist of the 2022 season, aiding in Hegge's goal. 
- Nic Lemen debuted in goal for the Norse, totaled three saves. 
- Plenty of new faces hit the pitch for NKU tonight, as seven total student-athletes made their Northern Kentucky debut. 
- NKU out-shot Bradley 17-11 overall this evening, as Robinson led the Norse with four total. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- A scoreless first half provided for an intense finish to this nonconference matchup. 
- The Braves took a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 65' minute. 
- NKU netted the equalizer from Hegge who found the back of the net off a fantastic pass from Robinson. 
- Bradley went on to win in heartbreaking fashion, scoring a goal in the 88' to seal their victory. 
 
FOR THE FOES
- Kaloyan Somov tallied two second half goals for the Braves. 
- Goalkeeper Nick Burke totaled seven saves, allowing one goal scored on 17 total shots. 
- The Braves were picked to finish sixth in the Missouri Valley in the conference's preseason poll.
 
NEXT UP
Northern Kentucky returns home to Highland Heights, Ky. on Sunday, August 28 where the Norse will square-off against nonconference opponent Southern Indiana. Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. (ET) from NKU Soccer Stadium and the game will be streamed nationwide on ESPN+. Norse fans and supporters can purchase their tickets here.
 
FOLLOW NORSE MEN'S SOCCER
Get in the game and follow Northern Kentucky's women's college soccer team through @NKUNorseMSOC on Twitter, @NKUNorseMSOC on Instagram, nkunorsemsoc on Facebook and subscribe to the NKU Norse Youtube channel.