Box Score Northeastern State boxscore in PDF

View a photo gallery from the NSU game

The Maryville men’s soccer defense kept visiting Northeastern (Okla.) State off the scoreboard until a late strike gave the Riverhawks a narrow 1-0 decision in a game played at Parkway Central High School. The game was moved off campus due to the heavy rainfall in the area because of the remnants of Hurricane Isaac.
 
The Saints nearly scored in the fourth minute but Zach Klipsch’s header was just wide of the NSU net. The Riverhawks had a shot that appeared to be going in until Maryville’s Tyler Luebbert cleared the ball just before it crossed the goal line. NSU kept up the pressure but the Saints defense kept the game scoreless after a shot hit the crossbar and keeper James Hohenstein made a diving save late in the first half.
 
In the second half, Maryville’s defensive efforts saved two more shots off the line. Thomas Woelfel and Nate Alonzo both cleared NSU chances heading towards the Saints goal. In the 76th minute, JT File might have had Maryville’s best scoring opportunity of the day. On a restart from 25-yards out, File struck a driving low shot that grazed the outside post and settled into the side netting.
 
At the 85:57 mark, Northeastern State broke through for the game-winning goal. Juan Peralta received a pass on the left side of the field and headed it back to the middle where Henry Wildenborg one-timed a shot from 12-yards out to the far right side of the Maryville goal. The Saints earned a corner kick in the final seconds of the game. However, with everyone pushing forward, Maryville was unable to equalize as it dropped its second straight heartbreaker. The Saints are 0-2-0 on the season, while the Riverhawks, who earned votes in the NSCAA Top 25 preseason poll, improved to 2-0-0.
 
The Saints are back in action Tuesday, when they make the short trip to St. Charles, Mo., to face Lindenwood in a 7 p.m. game at Hunter Stadium.