One team was undefeated in its last three home games, and the other had not lost a MAC game all season.

The NIU men’s soccer team accumulated all three of its wins this season at home, but Kentucky, ranked No. 24 in the nation by SoccerAmerica.com, won 1-0 Friday at Huskie Soccer Field.

This was the Huskies’ first day game after having classes, and NIU coach Steve Simmons believed that factored into the loss.

“It’s a transition for our players to come from class in the middle of the afternoon,” Simmons said, “and they’re not always completely focused on the match.”

Freshman Mike Corvo said it’s tough because he needs to clear his mind completely and get focused on soccer right away.

The lone goal of the game came from Joey Gaworecki from Kentucky (12-5-1, 6-0 MAC) with 21:45 remaining in the first half. Huskies goalkeeper Matt Corcoran was beat from 20 yards out by Gaworecki, who received a crossing pass from Jamal Shteiwi at the top of the penalty area.

NIU almost had a chance to tie the game when UK was called for a handball right by the penalty box. The Huskies would have received a penalty kick, but the officials determined the UK player was outside the penalty area.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get the call we wanted on the handball late,” Simmons said. “But we can’t count on other people to help us.”

NIU finished the regular season with a 3-12-2 overall record, and 2-4 in the MAC in Simmons’ first year. The Huskies are the fifth seed and will play fourth-seeded Bowling Green in the first game of the MAC Tournament on Friday.