Box Score

The UW-Parkside men's soccer team jumped out to an early 2-0 lead over visiting Northern Kentucky, a team which came to Somers ranked No. 5 in the country in NCAA Division II. When the final whistle sounded, the Norse had forged themselves into a 2-2 stalemate. The game was played at Parkside's Wood Road Field on a windy Friday afternoon.

 “I think we found our identity today,” said UW-Parkside assistant coach Jason Zitzke. “But, I'm disappointed we didn't find a way to win.”

 Northern Kentucky is now 5-0-2 overall and 3-0-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Rangers are now 4-2-2 overall and 2-2-2 in league play.

 UW-Parkside's Spencer Bursten set the tone very early in the game. At the 2:44 mark, he scored his first goal of the season, beating Northern Kentucky goaltender Michael Lavric down low. The initial tally was set up by Lucas Klees.

 Klees went to work again at 21:22, setting up Jon Bebeau for this fifth goal of the season.

 Parkside had a first half scare, when Ruffin Lumbala hit a post just after the second Ranger goal. Still, the score stood at 2-0, Rangers, at halftime.

 Steve Beattie, a two-time All-American and arguably the best player in NCAA Division II, was held in check. However, he was awarded a penalty shot at 55:32 and made no mistake. Later, at 69:42 Alex Weber tallied to create tie.

 Parkside netminder Ryan Onwukwe made big-time saves, holding the Norse at a bay.

 “He grew up today,” said Ranger head coach Rick Kilps. “He made game-changing saves and didn't look like a freshman today,” added Zitzke.

 The Rangers look to keep the positive vibes going when they host Bellarmine Sunday, Sept. 26, at UW-Parkside's Wood Road Field, beginning at noon.

 “You are only as good as your next opponent and Bellarmine beat us, 4-0, at home, during the conference tournament last year,” pointed out Zitzke. “We have to continue to play at this level, a level which has defined Parkside soccer for the last 30 years,” added Kilps.