Freshman Curt Zastrow tallied the NIU men’s soccer team’s first goal of the regular season and on Wednesday, scored its last in a 1-0 win over DePaul.

At Huskie Soccer Field, Zastrow collected his team-leading eighth goal for the Huskies (12-6) at the 49:51 mark when sophomore Mike Corvo found him in the box. The North Freedom, Wisc. native beat DePaul’s Michael Timlin from six yards out for the eventual game winner.

However, NIU coach Steve Simmons was not pleased with the team’s performance in the first half against a 3-12-3 DePaul squad.

“They needed to have it reiterated that they’re just an average team without intensity and enthusiasm,” Simmons said.

In a defensive battle, both teams fired two shots apiece and combined for 17 fouls in the first half. The Huskies came out on the offensive in the second half, getting off four shots to DePaul’s one.

NIU’s second-year coach said the team’s loss to Akron Sunday for the MAC regular season title was a good learning experience and the Huskies need to learn to bounce back and get on with their season.

Senior captain Andy Champion said the poor start was due in part to players having come straight from class and tests.

“Wednesday games are always tough,” Champion said. “It’s easier being on the road for weekday games because you get the whole day to get yourself together and focus.”

NIU now has eight days to prepare for the MAC tournament, which will be hosted by Western Michigan beginning Nov. 5.

Simmons is giving the team Friday and the rest of the weekend off to catch up on academics and rest after playing three games in six days.

“It will be good to have that time off to rest our bodies,” Champion said. “Then we’ll get back to work for the tournament.”

The Huskies will either be the No. 2 seed and play Bowling Green if WMU beats Buffalo Friday, or the No. 3 seed if WMU loses and take on Buffalo.

“We’re going to come back Monday and begin preparing to seize our moment in the tournament,” Simmons said.