Box Score (.html) I Box Score (.pdf)

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Senior midfielder Yan Souza continued his penchant for key goals on Saturday night (Sept. 14) when the veteran tallied the game-winner in the game's 89th minute of a key 2-1 road win at Northern Kentucky in both teams league openers. Souza took a feed from classmate Alan Aguilar and hit a shot off an NKU defender and into the open net for his second career game-winner. 

"I am proud of the collective response to going down a goal in the first 10 minutes," head coach Brian Barnett said. "For our team to battle back against a talented Northern Kentucky team on the road speaks volumes about our mentality to find a way together."

Souza was also responsible for the game-winner at Green Bay in the Horizon League Tournament last season. 

"I am so proud that the whole group kept their heads in place, even after conceding a goal in the first 10 minutes," Souza said. "It just shows that we are a very talented group that will fight no matter the circumstances. It feels really good to score the game winning goal after a beautiful ball played by Alan."

His latest score capped some moments of frustration as the Jags had missed on some key chances just prior. In the 82nd minute, freshman Kirezi Freddy got loose on a breakaway and thought he was pulled down by NKU (1-3-1, 0-1 HL) keeper Baj Maan inside the penalty area. However, after no call, the Jags remained on the attack. 

The game really opened up late and senior Pedro Valladao drew a foul just outside the 18-yard box in the 86th minute after hitting an NKU defender with an assortment of on the ball moves. However, Souza bent the subsequent free kick just over the bar, keeping the game tied. 

After sophomore goalkeeper Quinn McCallion staved off some NKU scoring chances, Souza made it stand with his fourth career goal and second of the season. 

IUPUI fell behind early as NKU's TJ Harris angled a volley past McCallion in the game's ninth minute after Will Hunt swung in a cross from the right side. The Jags covered the near post runs well, but left Harris to run free on the back side for a well struck score. 

The Jags tipped the field, dominating possession from there, ultimately getting equal in the 37th minute. Junior Gianni Catenacci played a corner in toward the near post and Cincinnati-native Chris Workman, playing just minutes away from home, climbed the ladder and redirected a header past Maan for his first collegiate score. 

IUPUI nearly broke the ice in the 21st minute when sophomore Landon Malott got loose at the far post and drove a header right at Maan from the doorstep. IUPUI finished with a 10-8 shot advantage and put seven of its 10 attempts on target. Maan finished with five saves while McCallion, who was among the nation's leaders in saves a year ago, needed just two saves in Saturday's win. 

Reigning Horizon League Freshman of the Year Alex Willis was only able to muster one shot on goal against a stingy Jaguars' defense, that coming from distance that McCallion easily plucked on a bounce. 

IUPUI will return to action on Tuesday night (Sept. 17) when the Jaguars host Xavier at 7:00 p.m. at Carroll Stadium. That match will be aired on ESPN+ as Greg Rakestraw (pxp) calls the action. In addition, FREE t-shirts will be distributed to IUPUI students with a valid Crimson Card, while supplies last.