WILDER, Ky. - A pair of goals by Kyle Roberts secured the victory, but it was the defense that keyed Northern Kentucky University’s 2-0 upset win over Lewis University on Saturday at the Town & Country Sports Complex.
NKU’s defense held Lewis - ranked No. 9 nationally in the NCAA Division II poll - to just four shots the entire contest. The Flyers did not attempt a shot in the first half as NKU controlled field position and the tempo.
Roberts gave NKU a 1-0 lead 18 minutes into the game by finishing off a cross from Dan Impellizzeri for his second goal of the season. The Norse attempted just four shots before halftime, but the NKU defense held Lewis to no shots and two corner kicks.
Lewis began penetrating into NKU’s backfield more frequently in the second half, and the Flyers earned six corner kicks during the last 45 minutes of play. NKU’s defense, however, fought off each attempt and maintained the 1-0 lead late in the contest.
Roberts then iced the win for NKU at the 88:14 mark with his second goal of the game, a 10-yard shot that was assisted by Tony Capurro. The Norse improved to 12-3-2 overall, 6-2-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
NKU can wrap up a first-round home game in the GLVC Tournament with a victory at the University of Indianapolis on Wednesday. The Norse are currently in third place in the league standings.
The GLVC Tournament begins Oct. 31 at campus sites. The No. 3 and 4 seeds will play host to first-round games, while the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds will earn byes.
Lewis dropped to 13-2-2 overall, 6-2-2 in the GLVC. The Flyers are now tied for fourth place in the GLVC with Quincy University.
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Kyle Roberts |