DEKALB, Ill. – A penalty kick by Chris Album made all the difference in another thrilling win for the Green Bay men's soccer team Sunday afternoon.
The Phoenix has won two in a row after dropping the first two regular-season contests, improving to 2-2-0 overall. Northern Illinois fell to 1-3-0 with the loss.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Green Bay struck within the first 10 minutes. Kajus Kontautas beat a one-on-one matchup along the sideline and found a wide-open Luke Nicholson, who took a few steps before finding the back of the net for his first career goal in the 8th minute. The Phoenix defense did wonders in the first half, not allowing a Husky shot until the 30th minute when NIU's leading scorer, Zachariah Thomas, forced a save by Alvaro Rodriguez. Andrew Paolucci missed just over the crossbar in the 37th minute before Josh Johansen fired a shot wide, his first of the season. GB had a 7-3 edge in shots and a 1-0 advantage on the scoreboard going into halftime.
Out of the break, NIU was able to tie the game quickly off a penalty kick.
Kazuki Okazaki committed the foul in the box, which led to Kevin Kelly's game-tying goal in the 49
th minute. The Green and White got the offense going again, and Album drilled the woodwork in the 62
nd minute, just missing the go-ahead score. Less than five minutes later, Ben Suddeth drew a foul in the box, leading to a chance for Album on a penalty kick. Number nine didn't miss this time, giving Green Bay a 2-1 lead with just over 20 minutes to go in regulation. The Phoenix allowed just two more shots the rest of the game, with Rodriguez coming through with a save each time. Green Bay was able to stop NIU in the final seconds to escape Northern Illinois for a 2-1 victory.
GAME NOTES
- Matisse Chretien, Myles Sophanavong, Jeloni Murray-Powell, and Grant Paskus (NIU) all received yellow cards.
- The Huskies ended the game with a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal.
- There were just seven corner kicks, while the teams combined for 33 fouls.
- Album led all players with four shots. Andrew Paolucci tallied three shots in just 45 minutes played.
COMING UP
The Phoenix will return home for a clash against Chicago State this Friday, September 6 at Aldo Santaga Stadium. Fans can follow the game with live stats.
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