Total domination is the only way to describe the NIU soccer team’s 2-0 shutout over Loyola University in its spring exhibition game Saturday.

Although the offensive spark head coach Willy Roy was looking for wasn’t there in the first half, the Huskies set up camp near the Loyola goal the entire game.

The Ramblers managed to cross the midline only a few times during the game, but three times they were called for offsides and the rest of the times the Huskies defense, led by Karsten Roy, quickly engulfed the break-away attempt and re-established their dominance.

Despite the Huskies’ slow start, NIU’s defense was able net a shutout. NIU goalie Markus Roy didn’t get much work. The Ramblers had no legitimate shots on goal the entire game.

However, the slow start enraged the Huskie coach. The Huskies managed 11 shots on goal in the first half, but they could not cash them in.

The infuriated Roy gave the Huskies a thorough tongue lashing during intermission.

The Huskies responded in the second half showing more aggressiveness and effort. The hard work paid off for NIU. About five minutes into the second half, Frank Sparacino got free in the left side and drove clear to the Loyola goal, luring the Rambler goalie to his right. Sparacino then kicked the ball across the field and Dave Weichmann chipped the ball into the open goal from the right side.

The Huskies had plenty of other chances to score, but their aim was just a little high. Willy Roy Jr’s free-kick went over the goal and a Huskie heading attempt from a corner kick was also high.

Then the Huskies took another bite out of the Loyola defense. When the Ramblers were attacking, the Huskie defense kicked the ball away to John Lechner, who then made a long pass to Roy Jr. who took it in for an easy goal.

“The whole play was set up nicely from our defense to the goal. Our defense took the ball away and John came in my left wing and passed me the ball, and the guy who was defending me fell and I just put the ball in the corner,” Roy, Jr. said.

Coach Roy was in better spirits after the game and was generally pleased with his team.

“We started off slow, but anyone could tell that we dominated the entire game,” Roy said. “I think now people are realizing that we’re becoming a pretty good team and we’re going to have to play a little tougher at home.”