FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Northern Illinois University men's soccer team took on Purdue Fort Wayne in its first exhibition game of the fall on Friday (Aug. 9). The contest provided head coach Ryan Swan and his staff with its first look at the 2024 Huskies against outside opposition. 

"I thought we started the game really well in the opening exchanges and created a couple of really nice chances," said Swan. "We were happy with it, but then we lost our way a little bit. We didn't really give up any chances against us, but we didn't have control of the game, so it was a pretty hectic first half, which to some extent, you would expect in the first game out. 

"We made some adjustments in the second half, but we had a poor start before we settled down. I thought we were excellent for the last 30 minutes. We probably weren't as sharp and composed as we would like to be, but we never panicked and created some good chances. So, we were pleased with the way things went. It is good to get the first game under our belt and we know we have plenty to work on before Tuesday against Marshall."

With half of this season's roster made up of newcomers, Friday's exhibition gave Swan a chance to see a number of players make their unofficial debut as nearly the entire roster saw playing time against the Mastodons.

"Tom Dahlin was good today, especially in the first half, he was one of the few guys who was getting the ball and trying to connect some passes," said Swan. "Grant Paskus came in the second half and was excellent in midfield, he was winning the ball and was very composed. Josh Squires played significant minutes, was technically good and showed he can play in tight spaces. Alex Curtis played the second half in goal and did well."

Today's exhibition provided Swan and his staff the opportunity to access where the Huskies are as they work toward next week's second exhibition against Marshall.

"There are things that we need to get figured out, structurally, as a team," said Swan. "There were times that we were not very structured, especially in our press. We will watch the video and hopefully those messages will come across more clearly. Between now and Tuesday, I think it will be a lot of time working on structure, when to go forward and when to be more composed and, on the defensive side, what everyone's individual roles are."

NIU will have one more preseason contest prior to the beginning of the regular season as the Huskies host eighth-ranked Marshall on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. at the NIU Soccer Complex. The regular season is slated to begin with a trip to St. Thomas (Minn.) on Thursday, Aug. 22.