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By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information WILDER, Ky. – For the first time in 12 years, the Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team will play for the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship. The top-ranked Norse (20-0) earned the right after defeating Rockhurst, 2-1, in Friday night’s semifinal match. The score mimics the last meeting of the two teams just two weeks ago, when the Norse took victory on Rockhurst’s home field. The Norse got on the board just five minutes into the contest thanks to a takeaway by Dan Impellizzeri. The All-GLVC honoree passed the ball across to Steven Beattie, who ripped a shot just off the right post for his ninth marker of the season. The Hawks tied the score in the 12th minute when Haggai Leboo got the ball free and fired a low shot in, squirting just out of the grasp of NKU goalkeeper Michael Lavric, marking his 12th goal in 2007. Chris Thompson's goal in the 30th minute proved to be the winning score. Rockhurst’s Adam Johnson received a yellow card, giving Eric Ashworth the opportunity to send a free kick long from 70 yards. His aim was true, finding Seth Eckerlin, who passed back to Thompson for a shot from 15 yards that touched the twine for the 2-1 decision. The goal was Thompson’s third this year. Lavric got the win in net for the Norse, and he continues to maintain an NCAA-record pace in goals allowed average (0.18) after a two-save night between the posts. Chad Becker made three saves in defeat for Rockhurst. The victory sets up a championship match against Lewis, scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. Earlier this season, the Norse took a 1-0 decision against the Flyers. Lewis, though, leads the all-time series with NKU, 16-13-1. |
