DEKALB, Ill. - It was another tough one for the IUPUI men's soccer team on Tuesday night as the Jags couldn't climb out of an early 2-0 hole against Northern Illinois. IUPUI moved to 0-7-5 on the season. 

"We didn't come out with energy," Head Coach Isang Jacob said. "NIU took advantage of that." 

In the 18th minute, IUPUI tangled with an NIU player inside the box, setting up a penalty kick opportunity that was finished by NIU's Taylor Cole.

"When you concede a PK that early it makes it difficult," Coach Jacob said. 

Just nine minutes later ('27), NIU created an opportunity in the box that IUPUI keeper Eduardo Cortes couldn't get to. Cortes made five saves in the contest. 

The 2-0 hole was a rough start but the Jags came to life following the second goal. Multiple attempts failed to reach the net as the Jags had a host of shots hit the crossbar, including a header on a relatively empty net early in the second half. Freshman Ben Thornton attempted three of the Jags' 11 shots in the contest. 

"We had three shots hit the crossbar," Coach Jacob said. "Their keeper made some very good saves as well." 

The Jags turn their attention to conference rival IPFW this Sunday (Oct. 18). Junior Harold Agyeman-Prempeh and sophomore Uriel Macias will hopefully return from injury in time for Sunday's match. 

"Harold and Uriel should be back Sunday," Jacob said. "That should give us some more firepower and hopefully we can get a result." 

Sunday's (Oct. 18) match is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.