The shorthanded men’s soccer team lost two consecutive games for the first time this season, falling to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars 3-2 in a double overtime thriller.

The Huskies are now 7-4 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.

“[We’re] very disappointed to lose the first conference game,” Head Coach Ryan Swan said. “After losing a two goal lead, I thought we started the game very well. Both teams had spells of being in control of the game.”

NIU began without the services of first year midfielder Lawrence Kwazema, junior forward Jan Maertins and senior forward Noah Brodie. Kwazema was forced to miss the game because of the red card he was given in the previous game against the University of Portland; Maertins and Brodie were out with injury. Swan said he is hopeful Maertins and Brodie will be ready for the next game; Kwazema will return from his one game ban as well.

Sophomore midfielder Alex Welch drew first blood with a 20-yard strike in minute-8, scoring his third goal of the season.

First year forward Nick Markanich padded NIU’s lead, scoring in minute-33 to make the game 2-0; Markanich’s goal was his team leading fifth of the season.

“[Nick] was winning most of his battles tonight,” Swan said. “He hit the post late with a header. He was getting himself into dangerous positions, and that’s what we ask of our attacking players.”

The Cougars scored three unanswered goals to win the game, starting in the first half. Their first goal came in minute-40. Junior forward Lachlan McLean knocked home a rebound after junior goalkeeper Konrad Dziedzic made the initial save.

The game tying goal came in minute-53, another score courtesy of McLean.

The Cougars final goal didn’t come until minute-106 of the double overtime period. First year midfielder Kelby Phillips scored the game winner for SIUE.

Swan said the Huskies hope to get healthier before their tilt with Bowling Green State University 7 p.m. Saturday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. The matchup will be NIU’s second in conference play.