Spartans Top Muskies in NAC Men’s Soccer Tournament

AURORA, Ill. November 1, 2008 - The Aurora University Spartan men’s soccer team defeated the Lakeland College Muskies 3-1 in the opening round of the Northern Athletics Conference Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Vago Field.

The Spartans struck first, as senior forward Chase Corricelli scored his 21st goal of the year off a freshman forward Jim Kelly assist in the 17th minute of the contest. Minutes later, Corricelli returned the favor, as he assisted Kelly to put the Spartans in the lead 2-0 at halftime.

In the second half, the Muskies came out firing, as forward Jeremy Hardy scored unassisted in the 59th minute to cut the Spartan lead 2-1.

Yet, that was as close as the Spartan defense would allow the Muskies to get, as they would go on to shutout the Lakeland offense the rest of the game.

In the 87th minute, freshman midfielder Walden Sterrett clinched the victory for the Spartans as he scored unassisted, making the final score 3-1.

On the day, the Spartan offense tallied 15 shots to Lakeland’s 10. On defense, Spartan goalie Matt Ness was solid between the posts, as he made six saves.

With the win, the Spartans improve to 13-7-1 (7-3-1 NAC) and advance to the semi-final round of the Northern Athletics Conference Tournament against the Falcons of Concordia (WI) University on Tuesday, November 4. Game time is set for 1:00pm in Mequon, WI.