It seemed like a legitimate coaching maneuver.

With his team comfortably leading Valparaiso 3-0 on Wednesday, NIU soccer coach Willy Roy pulled his star goalkeeper and son, Markus Roy from the net.

Redshirt freshman and backup goalie Dan Green trots onto the field and play continues as normal.

Markus is seen on the sideline ripping off his new black and purple goalkeeper’s jersey as if another days work has just been completed.

Then, all of a sudden, that same Markus is running back onto the field donning a white jersey with the No. 4 on it—the same number that his elder brother Willy Roy Jr. wore for his four-year stellar NIU soccer career.

In 25 minutes of action, Markus wreaks havoc on the offensive end at the center/forward position. The senior All-America candidate (for goalkeeping) records his first and undoubtedly (?) last goal of the season; collects an assist; blasts four shots on goal; wins numerous head balls; and even picks up a foul during an aggressive outing.

“It was a lot of fun,” Markus, who did play the field one game as a freshman, said. “I always do it in practice.”

It certainly turned out to be a quality coaching decision.