ASHLAND, Ohio – In just over 90 seconds in the second half, a 1-1 game between No. 12 Ashland and No. 6 Northern Kentucky turned into a 3-2 shootout with the Norse coming away with the win on Sunday (Sept. 19) afternoon in Highland Heights, Ky.
It was Ashland's (5-1, 3-1 GLIAC) first loss of the season, while the Norse upped its record to 5-0-1. The teams entered the game as the top two outfits in the Midwest region.
The game was tied 1-1 heading into the 77th minute, but that's when the offenses opened up with a flurry. Two-time Midwest region Player of the Year Steven Beattie scored his fifth goal of the season to give NKU a 2-1 lead.
Just 71 seconds later, at 77:24, Paul Andrews connected on a goal to make it 3-1.
However, the Eagles responded right off the kickoff. At 77:48, senior midfielder Adam Spannbauer (Akron, Ohio/Firestone) put the Eagles back in the game, scoring from 10 yards out off a through ball from senior defender Mike Kennedy (Liverpool, England/Ormskirk/Manchester Metropolitan University). It was Spannbauer's first goal of the season.
But that was the last time either team would get on the board as the Eagles were dealt their first loss of the season. The three goals allowed in the game was the same number the Eagles had allowed in the first five games combined.
Sophomore sweeper Jamie Dollar (Perrysburg, Ohio) opened the game's scoring with a goal in the 26th minute. He finished a short cross and slid it inside the left post from eight yards out. Freshman defender Brian Ruhaak (Akron, Ohio/Copley) and sophomore midfielder Danny Lusheck (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Xavier) were credited with assists.
The Norse made it 1-1 before halftime with a goal by Mohammad Salhieh in the 41st minute.
Ashland sophomore keeper Justin Nolan (Medina, Ohio/Highland) made five saves in the game as did NKU keeper Michael Lavric.
The Norse held a 19-10 advantage in shots, including a 10-2 mark in the second half.
The game was also marked by its physicality as the teams combined for 32 fouls (18 for Ashland, 14 for Northern Kentucky). Eight yellow cards were shown, including five to AU.
It was the third time in three years both teams were ranked when they matched up. Ashland is 0-2-2 in four games with NKU in the last three years.
The Eagles return to the pitch on Wednesday (Sept. 22) evening with a game at Notre Dame (Ohio). The game is the last in a six-game road trip for Ashland. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The Eagles return home on Sept. 28 against Mount Vernon Nazarene at 4 p.m.
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