DeKALB — The Markanich duo struck again as senior forward Nick Markanich, and senior defenseman Anthony Markanich both scored to lead the men’s soccer team over the 18th ranked Marquette Golden Eagles 3-0 Friday. 

“It was a fantastic result,” said NIU head coach Ryan Swan in a Sept. 10 NIU Athletics release. “To have a team of Marquette’s caliber coming in, you know it is always going to be a tough challenge. Right from the first whistle, we were exceptional, I’m absolutely delighted for the team to get that result.”

The Huskies stunned the Golden Eagles right from the opening kickoff as redshirt junior forward Enrique Banuelos crossed a beautiful ball to Nick Markanich, who headed it in for the goal. 

At the 20 minute mark, a corner kick by senior forward Roque Viegas Jr. set up Anthony Markanich for a direct header into the goal putting the Huskies up 2-0. 

NIU once again showed their lockdown defense, holding Marquette to only seven total shots and three shots on goal while also holding them to four total corner kicks. 

“I thought we were exceptional at the back,” said Swan. “Martin’s (Sanchez) leadership from the goalkeeping position, the center backs were talking, the full backs were very good in one-on-one situations. The goal scorers will grab the headlines, but I thought we were very, very good and composed at the back.”

The Golden Eagles blundered in the 29th minute as an own goal led to the Huskies going up 3-0. 

NIU will now look forward to their next opponent as they travel to take on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 7 p.m. Tuesday. at 7 p.m.