April 5, 2005

NIU Men’s Soccer Earns 2-0 Victory Over Loyola, Ties Drake 1-1 In Weekend Tournament

DeKalb, IL – Northern Illinois’ men’s soccer team enjoyed an undefeated weekend, earning a 2-0 victory over Loyola and a 1-1 tie with Drake, Saturday (April 2) afternoon at Huskie Stadium.

Northern Illinois opened the three-team event with that 1-1 level against the Bulldogs, thanks to a Jose Alvarado goal in the opening period. The scoring opportunity was created by junior-to-be Justin McGrane, who initially beat his man in a one-on-one situation down the left side, before passing back to Alvarado. A junior from Elgin, Alvarado received the ball just outside the 18-yard box and fired to the fall post, just beyond the out-stretched hand of the keeper.

Drake evened the contest midway through the second period resulting in the tie.

Northern Illinois once again used a first-period tally to jump out on Loyola in the nightcap. The Huskies pressured the Ramblers early and often in the opening frame and finally broke the scoreless tie on a 25-yard boot off the foot of Trinidad Correa. Cody Russell was credited with the assist, as he advanced the ball just inside the 18-yard box and fired back to Correa for the bending goal just past the keeper.

As with that initial goal, outstanding passing led to NIU increasing its margin to 2-0 midway through the second period. Senior Paul Gabel initiated the offense with a pass to Russell down the left side. The Glendale, AZ, native then skipped the ball cross-field to Second Team All-MAC performer Fraser Gibson, who scored inside the right post.

Northern Illinois’ defense was once again superb, as it held the Ramblers scoreless resulting in the 2-0 shutout.

Northern Illinois men’s soccer returns to action on Saturday April 9 with home contests against UW-Green Bay at 4:30 p.m. and Marquette at 7 p.m. Games will be played at Huskie Stadium.