There is no secret that NIU men’s soccer as been struggling for goals. In six games the Huskies (1-3-2) have scored five goals, and have been shut out twice.

What the stats don’t show is that there have been an abundance of chances created by the Huskies. Of the front four attacking players, Minnesota natives, Karim Darbaki and Isaac Kannah have been two of the strongest offensive catalysts.

Two different players, yet two important parts of the team when they are sharp on their game. Darbaki and Kannah like to create and get in on the attack as much as possible, seemingly popping up everywhere on the field.

Darbaki had two goals and five assists last season and was named All-MAC Second Team along with NSCAA Great Lakes Region Third Team.

A technically gifted player, Darbaki, now a junior, uses his smooth style of dribbling to get by defenders and has an eye for passing that coach Eric Luzzi speaks very highly of.

“Karim sees the game at a level unlike anybody I’ve ever coached,” Luzzi said. “He can see things develop seconds a head than when they are going to develop.”

As an upper classmen Darbaki knows what he brings to the team.

“I’m kind of tall and have got a decent pace,” Darbaki said. “I’m technical on the ball, skill-full, so mostly I try to create plays with my passing and dribbling skills.”

Kannah had a strong rookie campaign last season as he played in all 21 games, starting 20 earning All MAC Second Team honors as well.

“[My characteristics are,] I think my speed and basically how I read the game,” Kannah said.

Kannah’s speed, strength and willingness to take players on, one against one, has given coach Luzzi another element to his attack.

“Isaac is special in his own right,” Luzzi said. “He has athletic tools and a change of pace, along with a good soccer brain as well and good movement, so he’s dangerous for different reasons.“

Darbaki and Kannah are not NIU’s only attacking options as coach Luzzi has brought on a number of different attacking players due to the teams recent scoring woes.

In the Huskies first win against Iona, Kannah was suspended due to a red card in the previous match. Freshmen Parker Thornton and Matt Pritchard along with sophomore Jabari Danzy were given their first career starts.

“We thought that those guys were three of our faster more athletic guys that would hunt, and chase and kind of get us to start the game on a positive note,” Luzzi said.

With the young players energy, along with Darbaki and Kannah’s creative influence, NIU will look to build off of its first win and hopefully put more chances in the net after its slow start to the season.