A late goal by Northern Illinois resulted in a 2-2 draw against the Milwaukee Panthers men’s soccer team during their season opener at Engelmann Stadium on Thursday night.
“We played well enough to win the game,” said head coach Kris Kelderman. “I didn’t think it was the greatest performance from our group, but it’s the first game of the season and we’re still undefeated on our field dating back to last year.”
The Panthers, now holding a record of 0-0-1, maintained possession of the LeWang Cup after drawing with the Huskies (0-0-1). The result also extended Milwaukee’s unbeaten streak at home to ten games (6-0-4) dating back to last season.
Daiki Kumakawa contributed significantly for Milwaukee, scoring the team’s first goal and assisting on their second. The opening goal came after Bienvenu Djunga earned a penalty kick that Kumakawa converted in the 16th minute. Djunga nearly doubled the lead later in the half, but his shot was saved.
Goalkeeper Nic Diana made two key saves before halftime to preserve Milwaukee’s lead. Early in the second half, Northern Illinois equalized when Dasha Curiel scored following an initial save by Diana that rebounded into Curiel’s path.
Milwaukee regained its advantage in the 71st minute as Dominic Zuñiga finished off passes from Alejandro Zuniga and Kumakawa. However, Northern Illinois managed another equalizer with just under two minutes left in regulation.
“We put ourselves in position to win that game,” Kelderman said. “We have to close that out at the end. You know, a minute and 20 seconds left, and we just have to be smarter about things and get out of there with a win. From that perspective, it’s disappointing – they guys are disappointed, and they should be. We felt like we let a win get away from us.”
Kelderman noted improvements in play during the second half: “There was some good buildup in the second half,” he said. “We got better and created some chances. If we bury one of those it’s a whole different situation.”
Diana finished with four saves for Milwaukee while Atahan Arslan made seven stops for Northern Illinois.
Milwaukee held statistical advantages throughout much of play—outshooting NIU 17-16 overall and recording more shots on target (9-6) as well as corner kicks (5-4). Kumakawa led all players with three points (one goal, one assist), while Oliver Weir attempted five shots for Milwaukee.
The Panthers will now go on a two-game road trip with matches scheduled against Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri next Tuesday followed by Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois on Thursday.
