NEO and Northern have played many classic games over the years, and Thursday's game was no different.  NEO scored an early goal just two minutes into the game.  An errant pass by a Northern defender led to a breakaway goal by the Norsemen.  From that point on the Mavericks controlled most of the game.  Northern had several good chances throughout the first half, but as has been the case so far this season the Mavs could not find the net.  The Mavericks came out strong in the second half dominating possession and putting pressure on the NEO goal.  Six minutes into the half Brian Romero placed a great free kick on to the back post for Jaime Ponce to head in to tie the score 1-1.  Northern kept the pressure on the Norsemen defense, but could not break through until the last minute.  Jesus Aleman broke in behind the NEO defense and was taken down in the penalty box by the Norse goalkeeper.  The NEO goalkeeper was given a yellow card and forced to be subbed out of the game bringing in the backup goalkeeper to face the penalty kick.  Jesus Aleman stepped up to the spot and buried the game winner just past the goalkeeper's outstretched hand.

"It was nice to pick up a win.  The boys played hard today.  We still need to clean some things up.  Our finishing and passing in the final third were not good.  We did create more chances though, so I am pleased with that.  Jaime Ponce was great today.  He dominated the back line and was creating chances every time he went forward on set plays.  Our forwards worked really hard, and Brian Romero was really good in the midfield.  Darrion Wilson, Cin Mang, and Jose Perez controlled the central midfield for the full ninety as well." Michael DuRoy

The Mavs travel to Wilburton, Oklahoma on Sunday for a game versus Eastern Oklahoma State College.  Northern is in first place in the conference with a 1-0 record.