After punching out late in each of its past four games, the men’s soccer team finally got out on time yesterday when it defeated Delaware 1-0 in regulation at Parsons Field.
The regulation win broke a streak of four straight games that had gone to double overtime, including the previous two, which ended in losses to Drexel and Old Dominion. The losing streak also saw the Huskies drop from first to sixth in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).
Despite playing in four straight double overtime games, head coach Brian Ainscough said he didn’t think his team was tired any from having to play the extra periods.
“We went into overtime. Three were on the road against some very good teams. We had numerous opportunities to finish,” he said.
Freshman forward Mike Kennedy scored his fifth goal of the season in the 81st minute. The goal moved him into a tie with senior forward Lewis Ehrlich for tops on the team. Junior Scott Partridge recorded four saves for his CAA-leading seventh shutout of the season.
The Huskies kept the ball on the Delaware, side of the field for most of the first half. But seven offside penalties stalled their offensive progress. The second half saw a rise in both teams’ offensive play, as they combined for 21 total shots. The Huskies outshot Delaware 19-10 on the day.
“[During] the first ten minutes of the game, the game should have been over. We had four or five good chances,” Ainscough said.
Kennedy’s goal came on a pass from sophomore forward Nick Lueders. Kennedy then fired a shot that went off the crossbar and in the net past Blue Hen keeper Conrad Rusnak, who finished with three saves on the day.
The Huskies host William ‘ Mary (8-5-2, 4-4 CAA) Saturday at 6 p.m. at Parsons Field.
“[It’s] very important,” Ainscough said. “If we don’t win we have to go on the road to get into the playoffs. The good news is its at home.”
With its win over Delaware (2-12-3, 1-7-1 CAA), Northeastern ran its 2008 home record to 5-0-2. Saturday’s game will also be senior night for Ehrlich and defender Jonathan Batista.
