WILDER, Ky. - These late-game heroics are becoming standard operating procedure for the unbeaten Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team.
The latest chapter occurred Sunday afternoon during a 1-0 overtime win against Saint Joseph’s College. Less than two minutes remained when Saint Joseph’s was called for a foul just outside the penalty box.
NKU was awarded a direct kick, and Norse head coach John Basalyga called for a set play in which the ball would be rolled to the left, and passed back to the center.
Andy Bacon and Kyle Roberts set up the misdirection play with nice passes. Chris Berberich followed the ball and finished off a shot that found the back of the net on the left side with just 1:41 remaining in the overtime.
The result was another last-second victory for NKU, which improved to 5-0-2 overall. It was the fifth one-goal win for the Norse, who are 1-0-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and ranked 18th nationally in the latest NCAA Division II poll.
It was the second game-winning goal this season for Berberich, a freshman and a graduate of St. Henry High School. His first collegiate goal on Sept. 3 gave NKU a 1-0 win over Ashland University.
NKU senior goalie Nate Madden picked up his sixth shutout of the season, and he blocked a potential winning shot by Justin Fox earlier in the overtime. Madden finished with five saves.
NKU held a 16-8 edge in shot attempts, including a 10-6 advantage in the second half.
NKU will face 11th-ranked Mercyhurst (Pa.) College at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Town & Country Sports Complex.
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Chris Berberich, David Lies |