ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Northern Kentucky men's soccer program picked up their first win of the 2023 season Saturday afternoon, in a statement victory over Horizon League opponent Oakland on the road in Rochester, Michigan.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Northern Kentucky – 3, Oakland – 0
LOCATION: Oakland Soccer Stadium – Rochester, MI
RECORDS: NKU: 1-2-3 (1-1-0 Horizon), OAK: 1-4-1 (1-1-0 Horizon)
MATCH BREAKDOWN
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Simon Knuewe got the Norse on the scoreboard first in the second half with a phenomenal header in the 49' minute on the assist from
Ben Hegge. This was Knuewe's first goal of the 2023 season, and his third overall in a Norse uniform.
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Nico Stoddart continued to ride the NKU momentum as he finished off a beautiful cross from Knuewe in the 68' minute to give the Norse a 2-0 advantage. Stoddart's sliding goal was the second of the year having previously scored during the season opener versus UAB.
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Sam Robinson capped off the Northern Kentucky offensive onslaught with a goal in the 77' minute to give the squad a 3-0 lead over Oakland. This was Robinson's third consecutive match with a goal as he's been on fire lately and has increased his NKU career goal total to 12 now.
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Nic Lemen picked up his first victory of the 2023 campaign as well, along with turning in his second clean sheet of the year. Lemen posted five saves to anchor the Norse defense today and has now totaled 24 saves on the season as well.
- Northern Kentucky was certainly the more physical team on the pitch today, totaling 14 fouls compared to Oakland's five. However, the Golden Grizzlies picked up three yellow cards compared to NKU's zero in the match. Oakland also out-shot the Norse 15 (5) to 8 (5), however NKU went on to find the back of the net three times all during the second half of play.
FROM COACH POITRAS
"Really good, complete performance from the entire team from back to front. Winning conference games in college soccer is tough, especially on the road, but we controlled the match for long stretches both with and without the ball. We have been waiting for the break out match where we finish our chances, it was a nice reward for the work the guys have been putting in."
NEXT UP
The Northern Kentucky men's soccer program continues action on the road next with a non-conference battle against Southern Indiana on Tuesday, September 19. This match is slated for a 6 p.m. (ET) start in Evansville, Indiana and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
SOCIAL HUB
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