Other than minor bumps and bruises, the NIU men’s soccer team has managed to stay relatively healthy.

The first significant injury for the team occurred on the just completed road trip, as sophomore defender Danny Lopez sustained a shoulder injury.

Coach Steve Simmons temporarily classified it as a separated shoulder but was not positive if that was the case. He was also unaware if the injury would cause Lopez to miss any time this season.

On Sunday, Simmons said Lopez would have the shoulder looked at by a doctor on Monday, and he would know then if Lopez could play.

Simmons said the timing of the injury was unfortunate for Lopez.

“He was just starting to come around,” he said.

‘D’ Steps Up

The Huskies’ defense, which has been the team’s strong suit ever since Simmons took over five years ago, has faltered a bit during the beginning of the year – in particular during the Huskies’ two home matches.

After back-to-back games of allowing more than one goal – something that hasn’t happened since Aug. 27 & Sept. 1, 2006 – the defense that we know seems to be back, holding Oregon State scoreless and giving up only one goal to Gonzaga over the weekend.

“To get something out of the weekend is important,” Simmons said. “The defense did real well for the weekend.”

Tidbits

The Huskies travel to Milwaukee to take on Wisconsin Wednesday. NIU is 12-16-1 all-time against the Badgers, winning 1-0 in overtime last year.

Chris Rufa’s goal against Oregon State was his second of the season, tying him with Marcus McCarty for the team lead. Kyle Knotek assisted on the goal, giving him two for the season, which leads the Huskies.