The NKU Norse Men’s Soccer team had another tough loss at home against Milwaukee 3-2. The Norse have now dropped six straight games, falling to 0-6-1 on the season and 0-2 in Horizon League play.

Despite the loss, the Norse offense showed signs of improvement after a slow first half.

“We are trying to serve more balls into the box where they are in the danger area,” Head Coach John Basalyga said. “I think as the kids get better at that of whipping the balls in there and causing the defense to do something.”

The Norse shot the ball 11 times, including three shots on goal, but still couldn’t keep up with the Panthers, who had four shots on goal.

The Milwaukee offense dominated the first half of the game, outshooting the Norse 7-5.

The Norse gave up a goal in the first half to Milwaukee’s Evan Conway in the 32nd minute but soon answered back with a PK goal by Johannes Jansen in the 36th. The late half equalizer kept the teams tied at 1-1.

After the half Milwaukee respond with a goal by Sean Reynolds not even one minute into the second half. The last two games that the Norse have played they have given up goals in the first few minutes of the second half starting.

Milwaukee then went on to score on a free kick in the 78th minute by Francesco Saporito.

The Norse finally answered back when Kobie Qualah headed one right passed Milwaukee’s goalie, Sam Glass, making the match 3-2 in the 81st minute. The Norse continued to attack, but fell short in their comeback attempt.

Christian Carey was in goal all 90 minutes of play recording one save and allowing three goals.

“We did the same thing last week we started playing in the second half went down a couple goal and scored.” Basalyga said. “I think it’s just inexperience with the kids we have but it’s a process that they have to go through to figure out how to finish off games.”

Johannes Jansen’s first goal on the season

Jansen scored his first goal on the season for the Norse tonight winning a penalty kick against Milwaukee’s goalkeeper. Jansen’s role has changed since coming to NKU, where he changed from playing a defender and moving to a midfield position.

“We decided to make him an outside back because he has the ability of getting forward quick with the ball.” Basalyga said.

Physical Play

Both teams fought hard in this game, charging after every ball and issuing contact whenever their was a loose ball.

In total the match had 29 fouls, 19 total for NKU and 10 for Milwaukee. Three yellow cards were also issued in this physical game one to Wlademir Babaew on the Norse and two for Milwaukee, Matthias Binder and Jaime Colin.

Moving Forward

The Norse will be back on the road next week, when they face Marshall on Wednesday Sept. 21 before returning to the NKU Soccer Stadium to face Wright State in a Horizon League matchup.