NIU entered last night’s soccer game against 1989 NCAA champion Indiana University and fought to a scoreless tie through 99 minutes until the Hoosiers scored on a controversial call for a 1-0 victory.

NIU argued goalie Markus Roy stopped the ball before it completely crossed the goal line. After several minutes of arguing between both teams, the referee decided the goal would stand.

“To me it’s unfortunate to have a match decided on a call like that. I wouldn’t call it unless I was absolutely certain,” said huskie coach Willy Roy.

The goal was scored when Indiana centered the ball from the left corner to Kevin Snow, who banged in the header past NIU defender Frank Sparacino and Markus Roy with 99:09 gone. The ball bounced near the goal line and was immediately caught by Markus Roy, who fell forward to try to prevent the goal.

The Huskies had trouble sustaining much offense after the goal partially because they were playing the rest of the game one man short after Dusty Showers received a red card.

“I’m disappointed for the kids because we played so hard, but we don’t have anything to be ashamed of,” said third-year boss Roy. “We’re not a bad team anymore, we’re not a great team, but we can play with anyone.”

The Hoosiers were buzzing around NIU’s net most of the night and out shot the Huskies 12-1 in the second half. Markus Roy made numerous acrobatic saves in goal throughout the game. With about 14 minutes left in the second half, Markus Roy leaped high to block a point-blank bullet high and to the middle. The rebound was blasted to Roy’s left but he deflected the ball away. He also made another brilliant play in overtime when he stopped IU with a one-on-one.

“Markus rose to the occasion and played his best match ever,” said the elder Roy of his sophomore son who made seven saves during regulation.

“If we want to become a national power or become one of the top 20 teams in the nation, we’re going to have to go out and occasionally beat an IU team at their home field, and I feel we’re almost good enough to start playing against some of the better schools in the nation,” coach Roy said. “Our goal now is to regroup for Quincy.”