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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Sophomore midfielder Angel Rodriguez handles the ball against a Loyola defender on Sept. 26. The Huskies defeated Belmont by a final score of 1-0 Sunday. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Defense, own goal push men’s soccer over Belmont

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor | October 22, 2023

DeKALB – No offensive goals were needed for a win Sunday, as a defensive showcase and an own goal gave NIU men’s soccer (5-7-1, 2-3-1 MVC) a victory over Belmont University (8-5-2, 3-3 MVC). NIU was outshot 22-9 on the day with no Huskie players...

Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) runs for the first down against Eastern Michigan. The Huskies defeated the Eagles 20-13. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football downs Eagles, wins third straight

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | October 21, 2023

DeKALB – With a goal-line stretch by redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi in the final two minutes of regulation, NIU football (4-4, 3-1 MAC) pulled away from Eastern Michigan University (4-4, 2-2 MAC) by a score of 20-13.  The Huskie offense...

Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Drew Hoth (71) blocks as redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) looks to take an open past during Saturday's Homecoming game against Ohio University. The Huskies are looking for their third straight win this weekend against Eastern Michigan. (Cameron Whittington | Northern Star)

Football eyes third place in MAC West

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | October 19, 2023

DeKALB – With a victory on Saturday, NIU football (3-4, 2-1 MAC) can seize the chance to surpass Eastern Michigan University (4-3, 2-1 MAC) for third place in the MAC West.  The Huskies ride into Saturday’s contest on the heels of a 23-13 Homecoming...

Senior midfielder Camilo Estrada receives a pass in men's soccer's match against Loyola-Chicago on Sept. 26. The Huskies dropped their match against Western Michigan University by a final score of 3-1. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Sing’s 2 goals lift Western Michigan over men’s soccer

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | October 18, 2023

One goal from junior forward Taisei Arima was not enough for the NIU men’s soccer team (4-7-1, 1-3-1 MVC) to defeat the Western Michigan University Broncos (10-1-3, 4-0-1 MVC). Despite the loss, NIU holds on to the sixth spot in MVC standings.  The...

Senior goalkeeper Jakub Rojek stands in front of the net during an NIU men's soccer home game. Rojek was named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Rojek named MVC Defensive Player of the Week

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | October 18, 2023

DeKALB – Senior goalkeeper Jakub Rojek has been awarded the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week after his shutout performance on Saturday against Bradley University.  After sophomore forward Taylor Davis scored the lone goal...

Graduate student golfer Zach Place watches his shot during practice. The NIU men's golf team finished its 2023 fall season with an 18th place finish at the Quail Valley Invitational. (Courtesy NIU Athletics)

Men’s golf finishes fall season with eighth place finish

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | October 16, 2023

DeKALB – NIU men’s golf finished its last tournament of the fall – the Quail Valley Collegiate Invitational – placing tied for ninth place. Graduate student Josh Kirkham led the Huskies for the first time this season, posting an 18th place finish. The...

Redshirt sophomore kicker Jake Seibert (30) practices for field goal kicks while  redshirt sophomore kicker Kanon Woodill (92) holds the ball in place during the NIU game against SIU Sept 9. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Woodill earns MAC Special Teams Player of the Week

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | October 16, 2023

DeKALB – NIU redshirt sophomore kicker Kanon Woodill earned his second career MAC West Special Teams Player of the Week award for his performance in NIU football’s (3-4, 2-1 MAC) 23-13 win over the Ohio University Bobcats (5-2, 2-1 MAC) Saturday.  Woodill...

Senior midfielder Eddie Knight (19) dribbles past Aurora's defenders, going in for his second goal in the first half on Sept. 4. Knight is tied for the team lead in goals with three. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Men’s soccer entering crucial stretch

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | October 16, 2023

After a disappointing start to the season, it appears that the tide is turning for the NIU men’s soccer team.  Winning the first game of the season against Western Illinois University seemed to be a promising start, but the Huskies then went on...

Huskie junior forward Taisei Arima rushes the ball upfield during NIU men's soccer's Missouri Valley Conference opener against Missouri State on Sept. 16. The Huskies shut out the Bradley University Braves Saturday by a final score of 1-0. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer shuts out Bradley

By Sana Polizzi, Sports Reporter | October 14, 2023

DeKALB – The NIU men's soccer team inched to within three points of competing in the MVC championship after it defeated the Bradley University Braves by a score of 1-0 Saturday.  The Huskies currently have a 1-2-1 conference record. The Braves have...

NIU junior safety Nate Valcarcel (9) runs back an interception during the fourth quarter against Ohio. The Huskies won the game 23-13. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football upsets Ohio for Homecoming victory

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | October 14, 2023

DeKALB – Fueled by a dominant second half performance, NIU football (3-4, 2-1 MAC) came back to defeat the Ohio University Bobcats (5-2, 2-1 MAC) 23-13 Saturday. “We knew it was going to take everything we had to give ourselves a chance,” said...

Wide receiver redshirt senior Davis Patterson (9) turns to look for the ball while Southern Illinois cornerback senior DJ Johnson (9) waits to block the play during Southern Illinois University versus the Huskies on Sept 9. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Football to host 116th Homecoming game

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | October 12, 2023

DeKALB – Following its convincing 55-14 win over the University of Akron, NIU football (2-4, 1-1 MAC) will host the Ohio University Bobcats (5-1, 2-0 MAC) for its 116th homecoming game Saturday. Through two conference games, NIU sits in a four way...

Graduate student Zach Place takes a shot during NIU men's golf's practice. The Huskies are looking to break through early-season struggles and repeat as MAC champions. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: Men’s golf is on the rise

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | October 12, 2023

DeKALB – So far this season, NIU men’s golf has competed in four tournaments. Although the Huskies have yet to crack the top-five this season, their best showing was at the VCU Shootout, placing tied for sixth place.  Despite the slow start to...