The Northern Illinois University men’s soccer team played its first exhibition game of the fall on Monday evening (Aug. 15) as it traveled to Marquette. The Huskies and Golden Eagles played three, 30-minute periods with the hosts coming away with a 3-1 victory. Enrique Banuelos (Mexico City, Mexico/Virginia) found the back of the net from the penalty spot for NIU.
“It is disappointing to lose because we set a goal of establishing a winning culture, so first and foremost it was disappointing,” said NIU head coach Ryan Swan. “We conceded on two set pieces in two key moments, which was disappointing as well, but at the same time there were a lot of bright spots. There were some good moments of possession where we were building quite well and as we settled in during the second and third periods we got into some really good areas. We were just missing something in the final moment, which as a coaching staff is something we believe we can fix.
“The work rate was good from the guys, our defensive work was good, and that had been a focus during the week. There were certainly some moments we were pretty pleased with. The areas where we came up short were areas we haven’t focused on quite as much. We know what we have to work on, and the guys are feeling pretty good about some of the goals we set out prior to the game.”
Monday’s friendly was an opportunity for Swan and his staff to get their first fall look at the eight newcomers on this season’s roster.
“For some there were some growing pains,” said Swan. “The game became a little chippy and physical at times and there were some guys that embraced that. Jakub Drazek came in and fit in really well, I think that is the best we have seen of him in the week of training. Patrick Coleman caused some problems out on the wing for us, Nolan Cosgrove had a good showing in goal.
“Those three looked comfortable and the others showed the some of the things we liked and why we brought them here, but there were moments where you thought, ‘they need to get up to speed just a little bit,’ and I think once we get them there, we have a really good class.”
Despite the result, the exhibition contest proved a useful tool for the Huskies as they continue to prepare for the regular season which begins in 10 days.
“These games are so valuable,” said Swan. “There were a lot of things that, as a coaching staff and some of the experienced players, we talked about as areas we need to improve upon. After last year’s success we know the things that are good and the things we are missing. From a talent perspective, we have it, tactically it has to be better, which is on the coaching staff and myself, and the mentality, guys now recognize the game is a little bit faster and more physical. I think it was good for everyone. We are expecting a tough game on Saturday against Detroit Mercy and now we have a few days to pick up from where we were today.”
NIU will close its exhibition slate on Saturday, Aug. 20, when the Huskies travel to the Motor City to face Detroit Mercy. Kickoff against the Titans is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.