Senior Josh Karsten scored the first Northern Illinois goal of the year, but the Huskie men's soccer team fell, 2-1, to Bradley in the season-opener for both teams Tuesday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex.
Karsten scored off a free kick from midfielder Engebreth Faerden in the 15th minute of play to put the Huskies up 1-0 in head coach Eric Luzzi's first match at the helm.
"We pressured well and created a lot of quality chances throughout the match," Luzzi said. "At the end of the day, we had 11 shots on goal, which is a positive."
Northern Illinois (0-1) continued to attack after Karsten's goal, totaling 22 total shots to Bradley's 11. NIU senior Luis De La Cerda nearly put his team on top 2-0 in the 63rd minute, when his shot from the top of the box ricocheted off the right post.
Bradley (1-0) captured momentum after the play. Justin Bigelow tied the match in the 77th minute, scoring off a corner kick from Christian Meza, and Chris Cutshaw netted the game-winning goal in transition six minutes later.
"We committed two mental errors that allowed them to score," Luzzi said. "There are going to be games this season that we win because other teams make mental errors as well."
Forward Juan Hoyos led NIU with five shots, including one on goal. Finn Jor and Johnny Tyma added three shots a piece.
Goalkeeper Chris Tidwell was one of three Huskies to make their first appearance in the Cardinal and Black. Tidwell managed the defense like a veteran, having to make only one save in the match. Freshmen Stefan Vaziri and Andrew Van Woesik also saw action.
"We went with Chris because he has great communication with the players in front of him," Luzzi said of Tidwell.
