Tempers were flaring at the NIU Track and Field/Soccer Complex.

As this chapter of the NIU-Buffalo rivalry went in the Huskies’ favor 1-0, emotions were flying on the field Sunday.

“Every time we play Buffalo, it’s a natural war and today was no different,” said NIU head coach Eric Luzzi. “Both teams battled really hard. Both teams fought for everything. At the end of the day, we knew it was probably going to be one play that would decide it and we’re fortunate
enough that the play went in our favor.”

Referee Abiodun Okulaja had his cards ready all match and did not hesitate to whip them out even if he was not ready to issue them.

“Before the match started, we had a scout meeting and we knew that the referee was going to be like this so no matter what happens, you just keep your mouth shut and I wasn’t worried,” said senior defender Josh Karsten. “I knew that the guys were going to keep their head.”

It was also senior day. The program paid tribute to midfielders Brad Bahr, Luis De La Cerda Celaya, Aaron Zendejas, defenders Karsten, Danny Lopez, and forward Ben Thomas for the years they’ve put into the team.

“It restated our identity of being a team that battles for everything because at the end of the day, that’s what our seniors have been all about for four years,” Luzzi said.

NIU (6-5-1, 1-1-0) outshot Buffalo 12-10 with a disadvantage of shots on goal of 5-4. A big part of the Huskies pressure on goal was due to their ability to gain the corner with 14 to the Bulls’ one.

After an evenly-matched first half, the Huskies picked up the pace and the control in the second.

In the 48th minute, freshman Rocco Taglia put a long throw into the six yard box where the ball was deflected off a head into the net. The goal was marked as an own goal, but pressure from Karsten helped the ball find its way.

“I think Josh got it, and if he didn’t get his head on it, he at least had enough presence to make the play happen,” said Luzzi. “So I would give it to Josh if it were up to me.”

A Bulls shot in the 51st minute gave NIU a scare as freshman Jordan Godsey pushed the shot up off of the crossbar.

Buffalo (5-7-0, 0-2-0) fell down to 10 men in the 82nd minute when senior midfielder Alex Mihal was sent off with a red card. Just two minutes later, the Bulls found themselves down a head coach as John Astudillo was given a yellow card followed directly after with a red for arguing with the referee.

The Huskies held off Buffalo’s 10-man onslaught up until the final whistle.

“We’ve got two more home games left, but this ended up being our senior day and it feels good to go out with a win,” Karsten said.

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