NIU men’s soccer lost its first game of the season, 3-1, against third-ranked Creighton.

The Huskies (0-1-0) got off to a slow start in the first half as the Blue Jays (1-0-0) kept most of the possession and created all of

the chances.

“We didn’t play well in the first half,” said head coach Eric Luzzi. “I thought the level of defensive pressure was too low. We were lucky to get to halftime.”

However, it was senior goalkeeper Jordan Godsey who came up big for the Huskies with seven saves, eight total, keeping the first

half scoreless.

Godsey also saved a penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game.

“In my opinion, he’s the best goalie in the nation,” Luzzi said.

As the second half opened the Huskies started to pick their game up, gaining more of the possession, creating more chances and ultimately

scoring the first goal.

Junior striker James Stevenson found the ball at his feet, off a long throw in and buried it, top shelf, to put NIU up, 1-0, in the 66th minute.

The lead didn’t last long as just two minutes later Creighton striker Sean Kim latched onto a through ball and slotted his shot past Godsey to tie the game, 1-1.

Creighton’s next goal came in the 79th minute from substitute Carlos McCrary, as he got hold of a loose ball in the box and fired it into the corner giving the Blue Jays a one goal lead.

Kim then added to his tally, scoring his second goal of the game in the 86th minute putting the Blue Jays up 3-1.

“I thought in the second half we were the aggressor,” said NIU captain Mike Mascitti. “But we took our foot off the pedal. We need to be more ruthless, holding onto a lead.”

The Huskies look to bounce back from their opening-day loss and are looking forward to the rest of

the season.

“Our goal always stays the same,” Luzzi said. “We do whatever we have to do to get into the

NCAA tourney.”