Sept. 14, 2008

Box Score

DeKALB - Sophomore Josh Karsten scored on a header off a free kick from Engebreth Faerden, helping the Northern Illinois men's soccer team remain undefeated with a 1-1 tie of Eastern Illinois, Sunday in the final match of the NIU/adidas Invitational.

Karsten's goal came in the 35th minute, after an Eastern foul led to a free kick for the Huskies. Faerden played the ball skillfully into the six-yard box and Karsten was able to make a diving shot to give NIU a 1-0 lead. The score was the only time in the match the Huskies were able to take advantage of a quality chance. In the first half alone, Faerden hit the crossbar with an empty Panther net, and Northern Illinois had a shot cleared off the line by an Eastern Illinois defender.

But the Panthers answered less than four minutes into the second half to tie the match. Adam Gartner played a free kick to Chris Pearson, who beat NIU keeper Joe Zimka to tie the match 1-1 at the 48:23 mark.

Head Coach Steve Simmons said his team was not satisfied with the result.

"I give all the credit to Eastern," he said. "But I think they are extremely delighted and we're disappointed."

The teams fought for more than 60 minutes after the equalizer, with neither team able to break the stalemate. The Huskies had 11 shots in the second half, and two in each of the two overtime periods, but were unable to capitalize. NIU also recorded 18 total corner kicks, including nine in the second half and three in the second overtime, but failed to score on any of them. Overall, Northern Illinois outshot the Panthers 25-8, with an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal.

"When you have 18 corner kicks, you have to come away with something," Simmons said. "There's a lot we need to sort out from this match, and we will."

With the tie, the Huskies finished second at the NIU/adidas Invitational. No. 14 Northwestern won the tournament by defeating Xavier and besting EIU, both with 3-0 results.

The Huskies travel to Tulsa, Okla., next week to face two ranked programs. NIU battles No. 4 SMU, Friday, and faces No. 15 Tulsa, Sunday.