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By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information WILDER, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team used tenacious defense to cling to a 1-0 victory over No. 16 Lewis Friday night in a top-25 matchup. Freshman goalkeeper Michael Lavric was tested early in his first collegiate start, sprawling out to his left in the fourth minute to deny the Flyers’ Cory Mastey a goal. Just three mintues later, Eric Ashworth picked up a loose ball in the defensive end and sent it long to freshman Steven Beattie, who sent his shot low to the right side to touch the twine for the first time this season. Mastey got a second chance for the Flyers in the 85th minute with a free kick from 20 yards out. The junior got his shot over a wall of Norse defenders, but Lavric was able to punch the ball away to protect his first career shutout on the strength of his two saves. The Norse managed 14 shots on the match, including five shots on goal. Lewis goalkeeper Anthony Szymel made four saves in defeat. The game was a physical one, with 48 fouls called between the two teams. There were six different bookings, including a pair of yellow cards for Lewis’ Jorge de Jesus in the first half, forcing the Flyers to play the final 54 minutes of the contest shorthanded. Northern Kentucky (5-0-0, 1-0-0 GLVC) will look to protect their No. 3 ranking Sunday afternoon as they host No. 12 Wisconsin-Parkside at Town & Country. |
