Goals are a rare sight in soccer—especially in the NIU soccer team’s case.

In three matches—including the exhibition against the Chicago Power—the Huskies, 0-1-1, managed only one “real goal.” Senior John Kelly scored the goal in the exhibition match against the professional indoor club last Sunday in a losing effort.

The only other goal came on a penalty kick against South Florida.

The Huskies’ defense is considered one of the best in the Midwest. But matches can’t be won without goals.

Illinois State, 1-4, will be banking on NIU’s inability to score when it shows up at Huskie Soccer Field at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The Redbirds are coming off a 3-0 win over Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.

“I think ISU will stay back and try to counter attack,” NIU head coach Willy Roy said.

Roy said he is not at all concerned by his team’s scoring hiatus. “It’s not like we aren’t getting any opportunities at all,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of scoring chances. If we didn’t have any chances at all, then I would be concerned.”

“I don’t think we’ve given our forwards enough opportunities,” Midfielder Dave Weichman said. “It’s not like our forwards can’t score. We’ve just not given them the shots. I think the whole team needs to work harder to create better opportunities for them.”

The bulk of the blame has fallen on offensive midfielder John Lechner, who is the leading scorer returning with seven goals and four assists last year. Lechner, a four-year starter, didn’t need to do much scoring with Willy Roy Jr. around, but now the Huskies are relying on him to produce.

“It’s not like I’m afraid to take on the responsibility of scoring the goals,” said Lechner. “I just think the entire team needs to carry the load, not just one person.”

Lechner said he just needs one goal to put him over the hump. “I just need that first goal,” he said. “Then I think everything will fall into place.”

NIU needs everyone in place against Wednesday’s opponent. ISU embarrassed NIU last year in Normal 4-1. Now, the Huskies want to return the favor.

“The 4-1 loss was an embarrassment,” defensive midfielder Dusty Showers said. “I’m going to play even harder, because I’m still upset about that—and so will everyone else on the team.”