DeKALB | An emotional overtime victory is a great way to bounce back from a heart-wrenching loss.

The NIU men’s soccer team lost a 1-0 match Friday at Buffalo and beat Wisconsin 1-0 in overtime Sunday at the swampy pitch of Huskie Soccer Field.

“That is one of my proudest moments with this program,” said NIU coach Steve Simmons. “It hurt badly on Friday, but to respond with that type of character and resiliency against a tournament team … that response was fantastic.”

A fresh Wisconsin team played on eight days of rest and established a fast-break pace on the sloppy rain-drenched turf.

The ninth goal of the season by junior forward Marcus McCarty at 93:09 came off a throw in by senior midfielder Kevin Woerner.

Junior forward Fraser Gibson headed the ball over the Wisconsin line and McCarty picked up his sixth game-winning goal of the season with a left-footed strike that found the left post and trickled into the back of the net.

“Right before overtime coach said to focus on the set plays,” the junior from Texas said. “The ball was bouncing around and I was just in the right place.”

A Friday night 1-0 loss at Buffalo forced NIU to settle for a tie in the MAC regular season championship.

A goal in the 85th minute by senior forward Andrae Clarke off a throw in by senior midfielder Sola Abolaji was the first goal allowed by NIU keeper Joe Zimka in 754 minutes.

“It was a physical game. Chris VanDuerm was hurt two minutes in,” Simmons said. “We played hard. They made one play to make, and made it. We had six or seven to make, and didn’t make them.”

Against Wisconsin, Zimka made several diving saves, the most crucial was a rolling snag in overtime of a shot from sophomore midfielder Victor Diaz from 10 yards out.

Junior defenders Chris Rufa and Steve Algozino were effective on 50/50 balls. Late in the second half, substitutions of freshman forward Luis De La Cerda and junior forward Emmanuel Luvert allowed NIU to regain prolonged possessions, and turn the tide in their favor.

“I don’t think anyone will out play us as far as mentally wanting it,” McCarty said. “We’ve got tons of skill but on those days when you are tired and can’t use all your skill you’ve got to use some grit; we did that today.”