DeKALB | The NIU men’s soccer team wrapped up its preseason play with a win on Saturday against No. 19 Michigan State in Indianapolis, going 3-0 in exhibition play.

The Huskies won the game 2-1, getting two goals from freshman Isaac Kannah, scoring one in each half.

Head men’s soccer coach Eric Luzzi was very pleased with the way his team performed during the preseason.

“We really did a lot of good things on the ball during the preseason,” Luzzi said. “We are usually known more as a defensive-minded team, but this year we are also able to attack, which is going to be very exciting for us.”

Luzzi is also pleased with the how the players have bonded as a team and have bought into his system.

“I’m really excited about how the team is coming together,” Luzzi said. “It is very important for them to feel comfortable with each other and they are. The team already has a great bond and it happened quickly which was good to see.”

Now that the preseason is over, Luzzi and the Huskies are looking forward to the upcoming season and looking to improve on last year’s record of 9-6-2.

“We expect to be playing for championships,” Luzzi said. “We want to win the MAC in the regular season, win the MAC championship, and we hope to be in the NCAA tournament.”

There are three qualities that will allow the Huskies to accomplish their goals, Luzzi said.

“Overall, our team is very balanced,” Luzzi said. “But if this team is going to be successful this year, we will have to be very solid defensively, very threatening on the attack, and we are going to have to be the hardest working team on the field at all times. These will be the defining qualities of this team this year.”

NIU begins their season on the road against St. Louis Saturday.