Sunday’s home match against Western Michigan produced all too familiar results for the NIU men’s soccer team, as the Huskies dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to the Broncos.

Pat Wilson’s header past Huskie goalkeeper Rasih Pala six minutes into overtime was the difference, giving the Broncos the win. The Huskies dropped to 3-9-0, 1-4 in the Mid-American Conference.

The match featured a frantic beginning as both teams scored goals within the first five minutes.

After Scott Duhl gave the Broncos an early lead 3:37 into the first half, senior Phil Diehl saw his crossing pass deflected into the opposing goal by Bronco Mark Stickler for an “own goal” and a 1-1 tie.

No goals were scored in the rest of regulation but not for a lack of opportunities. Senior Doug Whitesel was shutout on two breakaways.

“We had our chances today,” coach Willie Roy said. “Doug had two opportunities, but he needs to put those away.”

Roy had some strong words for the Huskies after the match.

“Our team’s biggest problem is a lack of leadership,” Roy said. “We’re not willing to take responsibility defensively and that cost us on the last goal. We just let too many loose balls in front of our net, and we don’t fight for them.”

The Huskies managed seven shots on goal, all of which were stopped by Mark Howell. The junior Pala turned back nine Bronco shots.

“We had opportunities, even in overtime,” Roy said. “When you don’t take advantage of those chances, it comes back to hurt you. It’s frustrating, but this team needs to look at itself and take charge over the next three weeks.”

Those three weeks begin Wednesday as the Huskies look to stop a two-game slide as they visit non-conference Wisconsin-Milwaukee.