Friday, October 15, 2004

Northern Illinois scored goals early in each half as the Huskies went on to defeat Valparaiso 3-0 Friday afternoon in DeKalb, Ill. as the Crusaders ended a seven-match road trip.

The hosts found the back of the net just 5:00 into the contest as Curt Zastrow scored from 18 yards out for the match's first goal. Jeff Oleck (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral H.S.) made two saves for Valpo to keep the deficit at one heading into the locker room.

Bernard Hagevik scored his second goal of the year at the 46:34 mark from eight yards out to put Northern Illinois in front 2-0. Steve Algonzio added a late insurance goal for the Huskies at 72:19 on a header from Tony Deldin.

Sean McGinnis (Barrington, Ill./Barrington H.S.) made two stops in net during the second stanza for Valpo, while Steve Goletz made four saves while playing all 90 minutes for Northern Illinois (10-4).

NIU outshot Valpo 15-7 for the match, including a 9-2 advantage in the opening 45 minutes. The Huskies also had seven corner kick opportunities to the Crusaders' one.

Valparaiso (3-6-3) will return home on Sunday afternoon for a 1 p.m. match against Detroit. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Eastgate Field.