INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI men's soccer team opened its preseason slate with a solid 1-0 win over NCAA Division II powerhouse Northern Kentucky on Saturday afternoon at Kuntz Stadium. The Jaguars outshot NKU by a convincing 12-5 margin, while taking 10 corner kicks to the guests three.
Despite controlling much of the 90 minutes, the Jaguars mustered just one goal against a physical NKU squad.
IUPUI's midfield dominated possession for much of the first half, before a determined attack finally found the back of the net in the 29th minute. A sprinting Eric Weigman laced a shot into the left side of the net, off a short centering pass from senior Adrian Conrad to provide all of the game's necessary offense.
The play was set up by Dan Heidari, who lofted a long ball to Conrad to build the attack, just inside the right corner of the NKU 18-yard box.
"We cleared out the back side, because I had a mismatch," Conrad said. "I just sent in a diagonal ball and Wiggy was there. He did the rest from there."
For Weigman, it was just picking up where he left off a year ago. As a freshman, the highly touted rookie earned Second Team All-Conference honors and ranked second on the squad with seven goals.
IUPUI nearly broke through in the 18th minute when Vangel Nacovski found himself free just outside the NKU six-yard box. The Jags' senior sniper was unable to get a solid strike though and NKU goalkeeper Andy Ortman redirected the attempt just wide of the right post.
After Peter Brasovan enjoyed a rather carefree first half in net, IUPUI reserve goalkeeper David Barszczowski was under duress almost immediately in the second half.
Just over two minutes into the second half, Barszczowski was put in a one-on-one situation with an NKU attacker, but was able to make a diving stop before scrambling to corral possession.
IUPUI kept the heat on as both Justin Darvish and Weigman were able to get shots off in succession, before the pace calmed.
Late in the match, NKU nearly tied it, but was called for a foul before an attacker blasted a shot past Barszczowski from the left side. IUPUI's goalkeeping duo needed just three saves for the combined shutout.
Meanwhile, Nacovski paced the IUPUI offense with three shot attempts.
IUPUI continues its exhibition schedule next weekend when it faces Illinois-Chicago at the IPFW Soccer Showcase. Kickoff is set for 4:30 next Saturday afternoon.
