October 2, 2005

Box Score

Fourth Consecutive 1-0 Shutout Boosts NIU Men's Soccer Winning Streak To Five In A Row

Charleston, IL — With a fourth consecutive 1-0 shutout road victory — this time at Eastern Illinois University on Sunday (Oct. 2) — the Northern Illinois University men’s soccer squad extended its winning streak to five in a row.

The string of success has NIU at 7-2-1 on the season as the Huskies now prepare for their Mid-American Conference opener — a Friday (Oct. 7) high noon showdown at Bowling Green State University which will cap off a five-match road swing. The latest triumph had another unusual twist in that the host Panthers and Northern Illinois had to sit out a half-hour rain delay which turned EIU’s home field into a virtual quagmire.

Fortunately, the Huskies scored just 50 seconds into the second half as Chris VanDuerm (Wheaton Warrenville South) got his fourth matchwinner of the season. The NIU leader in goals (with four) followed up on a Drew Jeskey (St. Charles / East) shot with a 15-yard blast from the middle that found its way into the upper right corner past Eastern Illinois goalie Nick Alexander.

“After struggling with our play in the first half, we were able to jump on them quick after the rain delay and that was a key,” NIU coach Steve Simmons noted. “Last week they (EIU) had to cancel a match due to rain and their field really hadn’t recovered. Considering it was shaky to start, it became a real mess and there weren’t a lot of chances to be had due to the sloppiness.

“But in a game like that, one slip can turn things quickly. I thought our defenders stayed disciplined and steady, which means getting a shutout is extra special,” Simmons added.

It was the the fifth time keeper Steve Goletz (Downers Grove / South) and Company were able to keep Northern Illinois’ net unruffled. For Goletz, it was also the senior goalie’s 12th career shutout.

“Steve was once again steady, but I also thought Paul Gabel (Dunoon, Scotland / Dunoon Academy) was big time on defense. Steve Algozino (Frankfort / Lincoln-Way East) and Jeskey really stepped up for us. This was Drew’s first start, since we rested Chris Rufa (Downers Grove / South) and he not only played a lot of minutes, but played well. I also thought Jose Alvarado (Elgin / Burlington Central) gave us a quality match,” Simmons said.

With the victory, Northern Illinois gained a measure of revenge for last year’s home-opening 2-0 loss to Eastern Illinois and also narrowed EIU’s all-time series lead to 17-6-2. After Friday’s visit to Bowling Green State, NIU returns to Huskie Soccer Field for a Sunday (Oct. 9) 1 p.m. home date with Loyola University of Chicago.

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