HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Northern Kentucky (4-6-3) secured their second straight victory with a 2-0 win over IU Indy (4-7-3) on Saturday afternoon at NKU Soccer Stadium. The Norse extended their winning streak to two matches while handing the Jaguars their fourth consecutive defeat.
Caleb Frakes broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, converting an assist from Joshua Cline with a precise finish. Jason Purks doubled Northern Kentucky's advantage in the 70th minute, sealing the victory for the home side with a well-placed shot into the lower right corner.
The first half saw both teams create opportunities, with IU Indy's Youri Keijser forcing a save in the 11th minute. Diego Hoenderkamp nearly put the Norse ahead in the 12th minute, striking the woodwork. Jose Antonio Herrera threatened for the Jaguars in the 18th minute, but his attempt sailed wide. Stan Klaver had IU Indy's best chance of the opening period in the 32nd minute, sending his shot over the crossbar.
Northern Kentucky took control after the break, with their pressure finally paying off through Frakes' opener. The Norse maintained their momentum, with Carlos Merce testing the Jaguars' defense before Purks' decisive second goal. IU Indy pushed forward late, but Marcus Danh-Khoa Nguyen's blocked effort in the 66th minute proved their last significant chance.
The match statistics reflected the competitive nature of the contest, with Northern Kentucky recording eight shot attempts to IU Indy's seven. Both teams earned four corner kicks, while the disciplinary count showed six yellow cards distributed - four to Northern Kentucky players and two to IU Indy.
Several players stood out individually, with Frakes and Purks providing the finishing touch for Northern Kentucky. Itay Soffer controlled the midfield, though he received a caution in the 65th minute. For IU Indy, Keijser and Herrera showed attacking promise, while Jago Thompson-Roberts worked tirelessly before receiving a yellow card in the 87th minute.
Tactically, Northern Kentucky's approach proved effective, particularly in the second half. The Norse pressed high, forcing turnovers that led to both goals. IU Indy attempted to counter through wide areas, with Keijser and Herrera providing width, but struggled to break down the organized Norse defense.
The victory continues Northern Kentucky's positive momentum following their win over Wright State, while IU Indy's losing streak extends to four matches. The Norse's defensive organization proved crucial, recording their first clean sheet in recent weeks. The Jaguars, despite creating chances, have now failed to score in three consecutive matches.
Northern Kentucky's disciplined performance featured yellow cards to Gregory Jervier II (60'), Jabari Rasheed (63'), Carlos Merce (78'), and Steven Boaghe Braniste (88'), but their defensive structure remained solid. IU Indy's frustration showed through cautions to Marcus Danh-Khoa Nguyen (60') and Thompson-Roberts (87') as they searched unsuccessfully for a breakthrough.
Looking ahead, Northern Kentucky hosts Duquesne on October 21, while IU Indy returns home to face Detroit Mercy on October 25. The Norse will aim to extend their winning streak to three matches, while the Jaguars seek to end their scoring drought and return to winning ways.