Aggressiveness, intensity and depth.

NIU men’s soccer coach Steve Simmons said these three words account for the Huskies’ 7-3 overall record and 1-0 mark in the MAC.

The Huskies, which are second in the MAC, take a six-game winning streak into their 1 p.m. game Sunday at Marshall.

During its current streak, NIU has outscored its opponents 13-3. The Huskies’ recent success has placed them atop the MAC in several statistical categories.

The aggressiveness that Simmons alluded to shows in NIU’s MAC leading 136 shots, 49 cornerkicks and 159 fouls.

“The cornerkicks are very reflective in how much you’re attacking,” Simmons said. “But, in the end, we just want to lock things down on defense.”

NIU goalkeepers Steve Goletz and Brent Hartman have done just that, combining for four shutouts.

“When you get a shutout, it’s attributed to the team,” Simmons said. “But goalkeepers take it very personal.”

Hartman and Goletz, however, have done more than just blank NIU’s opponents. The junior transfer and Goletz rank one and two in the MAC with their .870 and .821 save percentages, respectively.

Hartman also ranks No. 1 in the MAC with a .72 goals-against-average. Goletz is tied for third at .97.

Goletz will remain the starter against Marshall (4-4-1 overall, 1-1-0 MAC) after returning from a contusion in his right knee that caused the sophomore to miss four games.

Senior captain Andy Champion will make his return Sunday from a pulled hamstring he suffered against WMU. Freshman Fraser Gibson, who is second on the team with two goals in seven games, will be a game-time decision after contracting strep throat, Simmons said.

“Fraser feels better,” Simmons said. “But we need him to get healthy for October. We’re confident we have players who can step up.”