Box Score | Season Statistics | Infographic

WORCESTER, Mass. – After a promising start to Wednesday night's match at Holy Cross, the Northeastern men's soccer team was unable to slow the Crusaders' steady attack as the Huskies received a 3-0 defeat at Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium.
 
On the heels of three straight overtime matches, Northeastern (2-4-1) shook up its form to accommodate the starting XI debuts of three freshmen: Dom Galletti, Cameron Okoro, and Griffin Sabatini. Wednesday's match also marked the return of Khori Bennett, Kevin Carvalho, Stone Barcomb, and Tristan Tippeconnic to the Huskies' starting XI.
 
Bennett accounted for half of Northeastern's eight shot attempts, including a missed penalty kick during the 76th minute that would have put NU on the scoreboard. Dan Munch created two chances, while Martin Nygaard and Edward Okey each sported one shot apiece.
 
The Huskies' defensive unit had difficulty keeping Holy Cross (2-4-1) at bay, surrendering 13 shots, seven of which landed on target. Jonathan Thuresson made four saves prior to being substituted off during the 77th minute, making way for rookie goalkeeper Noah Abrams to make his Northeastern debut.
 
Galletti, Bennett, and Nygaard each received cautions during the match. Corner kicks were level at 4-4 between the two sides.
 
GOAL RECAPS
 
• Holy Cross (20th minute): Northeastern was unable to clear a loose ball within the Crusaders' attacking box, resulting in Sean Merrick cleaning up the play to the open net.
 
• Holy Cross (53rd minute): Arno Rupp ripped a scorching shot from the top of Holy Cross' 18-yard box past Thuresson. Rupp proceeded to test Thuresson again with shots during the 55th and 58th minutes, but the NU goalkeeper saved them both, in addition to Justin Carfora's attempt during the 60th minute.
 
• Holy Cross (72nd minute): R.J. Place directed a cross to Tyler Bell, who headed in the Crusaders' third goal of the match towards the back post.
 
BEST NU CHANCES
 
• 10th minute: Khori Bennett's blocked shot during the eighth minute set the stage for two NU corners in relatively quick succession. Kevin Carvalho took the second corner, moments before Martin Nygaard forced Henry Stutz into making his first of three saves on the night.
 
• 61st minute: Edward Okey managed to head an NU set piece on target, but his strike was well read by Stutz, who recorded his second save of the match.
 
• 76th minute: After a Holy Cross foul in the box, Khori Bennett lined up to attempt the Huskies' second penalty kick of the 2017 season, but his try was also saved by Stutz.
 
UP NEXT
 
Northeastern will celebrate Alumni Night at Parsons Field on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Huskies' 5 p.m. match against the defending CAA champion, Delaware. All NU men's soccer alumni in attendance will be recognized during a special halftime ceremony and are also invited with their families to share in free food and beverages in the Parsons Field lounge. Alumni are encouraged to RSVP in advance through this Facebook event. For more information on 2017 men's soccer promotions, please visit GoNU.com/fallpromos.