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By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information WILDER, Ky. – For the first time in 357 days, the Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team suffered a loss. Lewis (17-4) claimed its first Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship since 2003 with a 1-0 victory over the previously unbeaten Norse on Sunday afternoon. NKU entered the contest perfect at 20-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally in the latest NCAA Division II poll. Prior to Sunday, NKU had not lost since Nov. 12, 2006, when Lincoln Memorial posted a 2-1 victory over the Norse at the Town & Country Sports Complex. Lewis’ goal came in the 62nd minute on a free kick play deep in Norse territory. Kipp Cartwright’s initial ball sailed long, where Mark Switalski moved to keep it in play. His pass came out to Craig McIntosh, who passed across to Jose Ibarra. Ibarra’s shot lobbed just over the reach of NKU goalkeeper Michael Lavric to the right side for the marker, his third of the season. After scoring, Lewis locked down defensively. The 15th-ranked Flyers held the advantage in possession of the ball and allowed NKU just three shots, none of which were on goal. The contest was as physical as the last confrontation between the squads, with NKU being whistled for 23 fouls against Lewis’s 11 infractions. Lavric suffered his first defeat in net, making three saves on the day. Anthony Szymel also had three saves for the Flyers. Lewis upped its edge in the all-time series with NKU, 17-13-1. The Norse now prepare for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional, scheduled for next weekend. Pairings will be announced Monday afternoon on ncaasports.com. |
