The Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team (6-3-2, 3-0-2 Horizon League) remained undefeated in Horizon League play Wednesday, downing Cleveland State (3-6-1, 0-3-1 Horizon League) 2-1 on a second half game-winning goal by Nick Perez
“We started off slow and Cleveland State came out more aggressive in their play,” head coach John Basalyga said. “In the second half we settled down and began to play with more confidence. With 15 minutes to go we subbed in Kobie Qualah, Jacob Cunningham, Campbell Morris and Nick Perez who brought in a new energy and it resulted with Qualah and Perez getting the tying and game-winning goals.
“We pride ourselves on playing 90 minuets. Resiliency and relentlessness is what we have built this program on, and I’m proud of the way our upperclassmen have brought our young group of players along.”
The Vikings struck first in the 10th minute of the opening frame when Victor Zamora found the net with an assist by Jake Lagania. Lagania took a shot initially that was blocked by Norse goalkeeper A.J. Fleak, after a brief tangle in front of the goal Zamora got the put-back to give Cleveland State a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Qualah got the equalizer for Northern Kentucky in the 72nd minute with an assist by Carss. Carss served the ball in on free kick near midfield with Qualah get the touch and finishing over the top of the Vikings’ goalkeeper Aleksander Drobac to knot the game at one all.
Six minutes later, Perez got the game winner with an assist by Cunningham. Cunningham played the ball in from the sideline with Perez flicking the ball in for the score.
Northern Kentucky finished the match taking nine shot with five on goal, as Fleak (5-3-1) hauling in seven saves. Cleveland State took 15 shots with eight on goal, with Drobac (1-2-1) recording three saves total.
The Norse return to home on Saturday in a Horizon League bout with UIC with kickoff set for 3 p.m. at the NKU Soccer Stadium. For more information on the Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer program please visit NKUNorse.com. You can also get updates on the Norse throughout the season by following @NKUNorseMSOC on Twitter and Facebook.
Norse Notes
· This was the first meeting between Northern Kentucky and Cleveland State. NKU 3-1-0 when facing first-time opponents this season.
· Nick Perez scored his first goal fo the season, with Kobie Qualah notching his third. Jacob Cunningham handed out his first assist of the season with Carss collecting his third.
From NKU Athletics