Northeastern and St. Francis played to a 2-2 draw Saturday at Parsons Field. In a very intense and physical game, the Huskies got on the board first, as senior LeRoy Watkins controlled a free kick and crossed the ball to a wide open Nate Houghton in front of the net. Houghton capitalized and gave NU a 1-0 lead just 7:45 in to the game.
St. Francis matched the tally four minutes later, when Alessandro Acquista gathered a loose ball in front of the NU net and scored from five yards out.
The Terriers would score the next goal as well, to give them a 2-1 lead early in the second half. St. Francis looked to cross the ball, but it was deflected off an NU player and went right to Sterling Brathwaite, who was all alone in front of the net.
"We played well, but for the second consecutive game it was a lucky bounce or deflection for the other team, and it found the net once again," NU head coach Ed Matz said.
With just over 12 minutes remaining in the game, Atha Kirkopoulos lined up for a free kick just 18 yards away from the St. Francis goal. Terrier goalie Marcus Maurice made a diving stop, but the rebound went right to Joe Parrish, who put it in for the final goal of the contest.
"We didn't get down after their second goal, which is a really good sign for such a young team," Matz added.
Sergio Saccoccio made three saves for the Huskies, while Maurice had six saves for St. Francis. Northeastern will next play on Friday, Sept. 20 when they host Oneonta State at 6 p.m.
Scoring
First Half:
NU - Nate Houghton (LeRoy Watkins), 7:45
SF - Alessandro Acquista (Rohan Bridgett), 11:25
Second Half:
SF - Sterling Brathwaite, 61:34
NU - Joe Parrish, 77:50
Shots
St. Francis, 5
Northeastern, 13
Corner Kicks
St. Francis, 2
Northeastern, 9
Fouls
St. Francis, 24
Northeastern, 13
Offsides
St. Francis, 0
Northeastern, 2
Saves
St. Francis, Marcus Maurice 6
Northeastern, Sergio Saccoccio 3
