DeKALB | Men’s soccer had a difficult weekend, losing both of its home matches including a 3-0 shutout Sunday against Utah Valley State University.

The Huskies were outmatched in all statistical categories against Utah Valley, where they were outshot 14 to six, as well as being out shot nine to two with attempts on goal.

The scoring for Utah Valley occurred early in the second minute when junior forward Karson Payton, who also added an assist, scored on a cross from the left and snuck in near the far post for his first of the season.

The Huskies had a tough time defensively in the second half when they yielded a goal in the 53 and 56 minute to close out any hope of a comeback.

NIU couldn’t notch its first win of the season in its home opener Friday as they fell victim to a 1-0 defeat against the Binghamton University Bearcats Friday night.

NIU (0-3-2) was unable to create many scoring chances for themselves, opposite of their play in the previous contests, but the coaching staff still believes the team is better than their record indicates.

“Once again, for the fifth time this season, the collective performance was good,” said Head Coach Eric Luzzi. “I think in a couple of moments we just needed an extra bit of quality to pull something off or finish a combination or put a shot on frame.”

Binghamton (3-0-2) opened up the scoring in minute 29 when junior forward Ben Ovetsky tallied his first goal of the season, curling a 20-yard shot past junior goalkeeper Drew Donnally to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead.

The Huskies almost broke the tie going into the intermission when senior defenseman Richard Hall hit the back post off of an excellent 35-yard free kick attempt that was just ahead of the Huskies front line of attack. As a result, the Huskies trailed 1-0 at the half.

“We have got another step forward to make with our attack,” Hall said. “We have the pieces to possess the ball, keep the ball and get it under control.”

After several decent chances and outshooting the Bearcats 12 to nine, the Huskies were unable to break the tie. The bearcats prevailed with a 1-0 margin. NIU recorded only two of their 12 shots on goal.

“Going forward now it’s just a matter of doing what we are capable of doing,” Luzzi said.

The Huskies will continue their season at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 in Milwaukee against University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in a battle for the John LeWang Cup, named after former NIU coach who was killed in a car accident before the 1981 season. LeWang was an assistant with Milwaukee the year prior.