Oct. 18, 2008

Box Score

Box Score in PDF Format

DeKALB - It was an appropriate ending for Senior Day.

Tied 1-1 with Hartwick in the second period of extra time, senior Drew Jeskey scored his third goal of the year, and sent Northern Illinois men's soccer team on to its seventh victory this season.

The Huskies (7-2-4, 2-1-1 Mid-American Conference) had to battle back from a 1-0 deficit to capture the win. Hartwick's Steven Amaya scored in the 11th minute after Austin McCain slipped through the NIU defense and fed him a pass in the box.

"After they scored the goal, we were searching for the best way to be effective," NIU head coach Steve Simmons said. "We made some adjustments at halftime, and they boys were tremendous in implementing those adjustments."

The tweaks Simmons made at half time paid off in possession and pressure, he said.

"We were able to have most of the play on their half of the field, and when you have that field possession, stuff happens," Simmons said.

Northern Illinois equalized in the 75th minute, after a handball in the box gave the Huskies a penalty kick opportunity. Freshman Brad Horton capitalized on the chance for his team-leading fifth goal of the season, and tied the match 1-1.

"We were able to get that penalty kick and that took some of the pressure off," Simmons said.

The teams played even until the 103rd minute, when Danny Lopez threw the ball into the box, where it pinballed before Jeskey found the net for the game-winner.

"It was a skirmish in the box, when it's about being first to the ball," Simmons said of the final play. "Drew was first to the ball. Game over."

The Huskies outshot the Hawks 16-10, with a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal. NIU also held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Northern Illinois returns to action Wednesday, Oct. 22 to face No. 2 Northwestern in Evanston, Ill.