The demoralizing loss suffered by the NIU men’s soccer team Saturday will go far beyond the heartbreak and agony of knowing it should have been victorious.

The Huskies’ 2-1 overtime loss to Buffalo put them at 1-1-1 in the MAC. The Bulls moved to 3-0-0, and in between the two teams was Akron, who comes in at 2-0-1, with its tie coming against the Huskies.

After Saturday’s match, coach Steve Simmons knew his players would feel the effects of knowing it could have taken a huge step toward a MAC championship. And he also knew it would take some time.

“I think the conference race will be demoralizing after this wears off,” Simmons said. “I think what’s demoralizing right now is [the loss].”

Akron plays at Buffalo at 7 p.m. Friday.

Quick Turnaround

The Huskies don’t have a lot of time to think about Saturday’s loss. They play host to No. 11 Northwestern at 3 p.m. Wednesday. NIU played the Wildcats last year in Evanston, falling 1-0.

How soon will the Huskies have to forget about this loss?

“As soon as possible,” Simmons said. “I’m glad we’re playing on Wednesday. They’re gonna have to make a decision to step up or shrivel.”

Free Kicks

In matches this season when the Huskies outshoot their opponent, they are 3-4-2.

Marcus McCarty and Chris Johnson are tied for the team lead in goals with three. Johnson scored the lone goal Saturday.

Northwestern leads the Big Ten with eight shutouts and have given up eight goals the entire season.