“A two-nil deficit in college soccer is like being three touchdowns behind,” NIU head coach Steve Simmons said. “It’s a major gut check.”

And a reality check hit the NIU men’s soccer team hard as they found themselves two goals behind SIU-Edwardsville at halftime.

After two quick goals by the Cougars (1-2), NIU found themselves playing from behind for the first time this season. But that wouldn’t stop the team (3-0-1) from taking control in the second half of their home opener to pull out the victory 3-2.

“You cannot be 2-0 down in a Division I-A contest too many times and come away with the win,” Simmons said. “I am very proud of the way they believed in themselves.”

Freshman Tim King put the Huskies on the board after a corner kick from Luis Mojica in the 57th minute. Two minutes later, fellow freshman Brad Horton tied the game on a penalty kick.

NIU had gained momentum, generating 13 shots in the second period compared to SIU-E’s one. Despite a strong offensive showing, the Huskies had to play into double overtime to notch the win.

With little over a minute to play in the final overtime, junior Danny Lopez was able to score the golden goal. After a cross from Engebreth Faerden, Drew Jeskey headed the ball to set up the score for Lopez. Lopez tapped the ball through the posts for his first collegiate goal.

“It’s everything to come out with a win like that, especially with everybody out there,” Lopez said. “This feels amazing.”

NIU took the win after scoring three unanswered goals.

“We’ve lost matches like this and we’ve won matches like this,” Simmons said. “When the dust settles I was pleased we got a result.”

After a key win at home, the team traveled to Peoria yesterday to take on No. 17 Bradley University (2-1-1).

NIU went into its second double overtime game of the weekend, but was unable to capitalize against the Braves defense. Neither team scored, leading to a 0-0 draw.

“Given the quality of teams, I thought we created some good chances in the second half and in the overtimes,” Simmons said. “We’re disappointed we didn’t get the result, but I think given the 0-0 draw against a No. 17 team, it is still pretty good.”

Although the Braves out-shot the Huskies 16-10, Simmons said NIU had the advantage when it came down to generating quality attacks on goal.

“They battled hard, and when both teams know a handful of players, its fun,” he said. “But in the end, we had the edge in the quality of chances and the result will probably come back to bless us instead of hurt us.”

Freshmen Jason Guehler and Tim King posted the team’s only shots on goal, while keeper Joe Zimka made four saves to keep the game tied.