ASHLAND, Ohio – Many teams do not get the chance to face a team ranked No. 1 in the country in nonconference action on their home field. Ashland's men's soccer team had that opportunity on a rainy Sunday (Sept. 4) afternoon.
The Eagles welcomed top-ranked and defending national champion Northern Kentucky to Ferguson Field and matched the Norse step-for-step for much of the match, but NKU broke a 1-1 tie in the 87th minute to beat the Eagles, 2-1.
The loss dropped the Eagles to 1-1 on the season after a season-opening win against Slippery Rock on Thursday. It was just the second time the Eagles have lost at Ferguson Field.
"I'm pleased with the weekend," said AU head coach Jon Freeman. "You play a team like NKU, you want to get a good result. It's gut wrenching, especially when you're so close. They're a fantastic team, give credit to them."
Ashland (1-1) was sound defensively for much of the game, especially in the first half, limiting quality chances for the Norse (2-0).
Northern Kentucky out-shot the Eagles, 10-5, in the game and 5-3 in the first half.
NKU broke through in the 50th minute on a crafty set pieces play. From 20 yards out, Mason Cassady laid the ball off to Nicholas Chiarot, who carried the ball into the penalty area and tucked it inside the near post.
After the Eagles missed on several earlier chances on free kicks near the penalty area, Ashland finally struck for a goal at the 70:03 mark. Junior defender Jamie Dollar (Perrysburg, Ohio) lined up behind a free kick from 24 yards out. His low drive ricocheted off the NKU wall and into the right side of goal to tie the game.
The Eagles maintained their defensive presence after tying the game, but became disorganized in the 87th minute when a ball bounced off several players in the box and was eventually poked in by Michael Bartlett.
AU played without its captain and left wing Kenny Hewitt (London, England/Longhill), who missed the game due to injury.
"They raised their energy and desire," said Freeman, of the team playing without one of their main attackers. "In terms of the team's mindset, it didn't change how they went about their business. But did it hurt us? Yes."
The game's rhythm was altered by plenty of fouls and cards. In the previous four meetings between Northern Kentucky and Ashland, the teams averaged 39 fouls and 5.5 cards. This game featured 44 fouls and nine cards, including three on the benches – two on NKU's one on AU.
In the last five meetings, the Eagles are 0-3-2 against the Norse, with all three losses coming by just one goal.
The Eagles open conference play on Friday (Sept. 9) at 4:30 p.m. against Tiffin at Ferguson Field.
AU
MSOC/BB
