The NIU men’s soccer team found itself in a familiar position against the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Last season, the Huskies defeated the Phoenix 2-1 in overtime. Wednesday night, NIU (0-2-1) went into double overtime with UWGB and it ended in a 2-2 tie.

NIU’s Vrahram Kadkhodaian was the first to score off a pass from Matt Stukenberg with four seconds remaining in the first half.

That was until Kyle Sillars from UWGB scored at 52:26 gone in the second half off a pass from Adam Faux. Adam Schmitt then scored again for Green Bay at 61:38 off a pass from Bati Tola, giving the Phoenix a 2-1 lead. This was the first regular season game for the Phoenix.

The excitement of the game came late in the second half when Stukenberg was tripped in front of the Phoenix goal, setting up a penalty kick. Stukenberg’s kick bounced off the side of the goal and UWGB’s goalie’s hands before he preceded to rebound his own shot and score at 65:17 gone.

The remainder of the game neither offense could produce a goal.

“I’m pleased with the character this team showed today,” NIU coach Steve Simmons said. “We started four freshmen today, and we didn’t deflate when they gave up two quick goals, and that will be a blessing down the road. This was a gut check in overtime, and we stayed there.”