Scoring a goal doesn’t happen too often. Check that_ a goalie scoring a goal doesn’t happen too often. But NIU’s goalie Markus Roy accomplished that feat Sunday in NIU’s 2-0 win over Bradley.

The feat is not unknown to the sport, but it sure doesn’t happen much. Even Coach Willy Roy, who has been around the game awhile, finds it a new experience.

“I’ve only seen it one other time,” Roy said. “Jim Brown did it for me when I was coach of the Sting. It came in a game versus Washington. The opposing goalie was outside of the penalty box.

“I’ve seen players score from the center of the field, but it’s just not something that happens every day.”

The 110-foot goal was the first for the NIU goalkeeper, who felt a little bored during the contest.

“I didn’t have anything else to do,” Markus joked. “The defense was playing so good.”

Markus does have 3 career points for the Huskie offensive attack. The “goalkeeper—goalscorer” got an assist during his freshman season in a game versus Loyola.

“It was basically the same thing,” Markus said comparing his only two collegiate scoring experiences. “I was just trying to get the ball up to the offense. I didn’t really know it had a chance to go in, but those things happen.”

Markus’ brother and co-scoring leader with him so far this season, Willy Roy Jr. blames the sputtering offense for Markus’ game-winning blow.

“It’s unfortunate we have to rely on our goalie to score a goal,” Roy Jr. said, but added with a smile, “It was a fluke, but he (Markus) is leading half of the nation in scoring right now so it can’t be too bad.”

Roy Sr. hopes Markus’ luck continues as the season progresses.

“That’s almost like winning 5 out of 6 in the lotto five times in a row,” the coach said. “I think it’s great and I hope he gets another one on Friday (when NIU faces the University of Wisconsin-Madison).”