Box Score • Box Score

The CAA-leading Northeastern Huskies defeated the Delaware Blue Hens Wednesday, 2-1 to extend their winning streak to five games. The Huskies are now 7-1 in the conference while the Blue Hens drop to 2-7.

It was a strong day offensively for Northeastern as they netted 21 shots in the game. In the first half, the team put up nine shots to Delaware's six. Despite the wealth of opportunities, it wasn't until the 27th minute that Santiago Bedoya got the Huskies on the board. The goal came off of an Andre Ciliotta throw in that Lars Okland dished to Bedoya low on the left side of the goal post. Bedoya's shot found the opposite side of the net for his first tally of the season.

Delaware played a strong first half to match the surging Huskies. With six shots and three on goal, the Blue Hens were able to end a four-game shutout streak from senior Keeper Scott Partridge. Darren Christie dribbled the ball into the Northeastern box and was able to beat Partridge unassisted to tie the game at one in the 38th minute.

The remaining seven minutes would trickle away without a score from either side and the game headed into the second frame knotted at one.

The Huskies were able to find a rhythm in the second period, outshooting the Blue Hens 12-4. The relentless attack did not bear fruit until a handball in the box earned Delaware's Ben Raymond a red card and granted NU captain Lars Okland a penalty kick. Okland converted the penalty for his first goal of the season and gave Northeastern the 2-1 lead.

Several more saves from CAA Player of the Week Scott Partridge would secure the win as time expired on the game-clock. Partridge made five saves in the match and earned his first victory this season that did not come by way of shutout. His .53 GAA this season continues to lead the CAA.

"It's important to be able to win these kinds of close games," said Huskies head coach Brian Ainscough. "The conditions were rough and it was a long distance to travel but we found a way to get a win today and that's what counts."

Ainscough added that a too-seldom recognized Lars Okland had a lot to do with the victory.

"Lars doesn't get enough credit," he added, "but I can't stress enough how important his leadership is to this team."

Okland was named to the All-CAA first team in 2007 and '08 and was named to the All-Rookie team in '06. The senior midfielder has continued to lead and produce for the CAA-leading Huskies in 2009.

The team will remain on the road as they head to William and Mary to battle the Tribe Saturday at 7 p.m.