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MSOC_0928_FP
WIU Visual Productions Center
2
Winner Western Illinois WIU (4-4-1)
0
Northern Kentucky NKU (2-4-3)
Winner
Western Illinois WIU
(4-4-1)
2
Final
0
Northern Kentucky NKU
(2-4-3)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Western Illinois WIU 1 1 2
Northern Kentucky NKU 0 0 0

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | WIU Athletic Communications

Charlie Bales scores twice in Leatherneck victory at Northern Kentucky

Senior captain Charlie Bales went 2-for-2 on penalty kicks to lead WIU past NKU 2-0

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Western Illinois men's soccer defeated the Northern Kentucky Norse 2-0 on Sunday, September 28 in their final match before the start of Summit League play. Senior captain Charlie Bales highlighted the Leatherneck victory with two goals on two penalty kicks. Western improved to 4-4-1 overall while NKU dropped to 2-4-3.

"We started slow today but got a hold of the game towards the end of the first half," said head coach Dr. Eric Johnson. "The penalties were both well deserved as (Jacob) Bevan's ball got handled and Diego (Lopez) was pulled down dribbling in the penalty area. Defensively we were organized and tight. We did a good job of limiting their opportunities to get behind us. It was a good team effort for the shutout."

The first half opened with both teams proving to be evenly matched as the Norse only outshot the Purple and Gold 6-5 through the first 45 minutes. However opportunity would knock for Western as NKU commited a hand ball on a Jacob Bevan cross in the 18 yard box with only eight seconds remaining in the half. Senior defender Charlie Bales took advantage of the opportunity and knocked the penalty kick home to make the score 1-0, Western Illinois as the game went to halftime. Bales' strike would be his second goal of the year.

The second half would prove to similar to the first as both teams exchanged shots at an even rate with Northern Kentucky edging the Leathernecks 11-9. Despite the shots advantage held by NKU, efficiency and opportunity would prove to be the 'tale of the tape' as Western earned yet another penalty opportunity in the 57th minute when sophomore Diego Lopez got pulled down dribbling through the penalty area. Bales would yet again be the shooter and provided no let down as his strike would hit the back of the net for his second goal of the game and third of the year (seventh in his career).

A late Northern Kentucky push proved fruitless as the clock would strike 90' with the score still 2-0. The win gives the Leathernecks their third win in four games.

Senior goalkeeper, and captain, Yves Dietrich proved dependable yet again, as he made five saves on the way to earning his second straight shutout and third this year.

Bales' two goals mark the first multi-goal game of the senior's career. The strikes also move Bales into the team lead on offense with seven points on three goals and one assist this season. 

Western Illinois now turns its attention to conference play as the Leathernecks open up Summit League competition at home this Saturday, October 4, at noon against Fort Wayne on John MacKenzie Alumni Field.

As a part of Western Illinois' Homecoming celebration, the men's match will be followed by Western Illinois football's showdown with No. 1 ranked North Dakota State at 3 p.m. across the street on Hanson Field.
 
 
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