For the third year in a row, the NIU men’s soccer team lost to the host team in the first round of the MAC Tournament.

Bowling Green (7-8-5 overall, 2-3-1 MAC) beat the Huskies 2-1 for the second time this season on Friday at Bowling Green.

A sluggish first half for the Huskies (3-13-2, 2-4) resulted in a 2-0 lead for BGSU at the half, NIU coach Steve Simmons said.

“When you campaign for 90 minutes, you need to play the whole 90,” Simmons said. “We played the final 45, but didn’t pay attention to details in the first half.”

NIU’s lone score came on an unassisted goal by freshman Mike Corvo 10:28 into the second half. Corvo missed time in the last five games with a foot injury.

BGSU’s Dustin Snyder recorded the assist on the Falcons’ first goal, and scored what was to be the game-winning goal with 10:08 remaining in the first half.

‘We dug ourselves a hole because they were able to get up 2-0 on us, and that was too much to overcome,” Simmons said. “When we did turn it on in the second half, we were able to produce.”

Snyder also scored the only goal for BGSU in its semifinal game against No. 1 seed Kentucky on Sunday to advance to the MAC Tournament Championship Game on Nov. 16 at Western Michigan. Akron lost to WMU in a shootout, 5-4, after both teams went scoreless through regulation and two overtimes.

The Huskies had opportunities in the second half, receiving six corner kicks to BGSU’s three, and outshooting the Falcons 7-4 in the final game for seniors Matt Stukenberg, Jason Sullivan and Brandon Smick.

In net, freshman Matt Corcoran had two saves, finishing his first season for NIU with 57 saves and a 3-10-1 record.

“I really want to thank the players because it’s been a great time,” Stukenberg said. “This program is going places, and I wish them the best of luck.”