There have been a lot of opportunities given to some of the younger players on men’s soccer this season, and freshman attacker Parker Thornton is no exception.

Thornton, a native of Buda, Texas, has slowly worked his way up to being one of the first players off the bench for the Huskies.

Coach Eric Luzzi said he loves the way Thornton attacks the opposition.

“When the ball is at his feet he’s very electric,” Luzzi said. “When we played Milwaukee, they got four yellow cards; all four yellows were for fouls committed on Parker. So, I think that says a lot about what players are thinking when he is running at them. Like any freshman, there’s tactical things that he needs to work on, but that stuff will come.”

Thornton fits right in on the flanks of NIU’s attacking four, using his speed to move up and down the wings and put defenders on their heels.

“I love to run at people, Thornton said. “I think one on one is when I’m most comfortable, so I’ll either look to go by somebody or I will try to link up with other players.”

In NIU’s first win of the season against Iona, Thornton was given his first career start.

“It felt very good,” Thornton said. “I’ve been playing pretty well lately, so getting the start made me feel accomplished.”

As a freshman, Thornton has the speed to create havoc for opposing defenders.

When chasing the ball defensively, his speed causes players to play quicker and think faster, which can then cause them to make mistakes.

Thornton has a good idea of how he can get better and what he needs to improve on tactically.

“I think just getting to know everyone on the field,” Thornton said. “So, when I get out there, I know everybody’s movements.”

As soccer comes to him tactically, Thornton has the tools to really put his stamp on the game.

Thornton, along with fellow freshmen Bertrand Gaschot and Kyle McDonald, was a member of the Lone Star Soccer Club in Texas. He credits his decision to play for NIU to the coaching staff.

“It was honestly the coaching staff that got my attention,” Thornton said. “They seemed really honest and authentic about everything.”

This season the Huskies have yet to score in the first half and have been outscored 13-7 by opponents.

If things keep going the way they are, especially with the start of MAC play this weekend, look for Thornton’s minutes to increase.