BROOKLINE, Mass. – Martin Nygaard's penalty kick goal during the 108th minute of play on Saturday night prompted a euphoric clearing of the Northeastern men's soccer bench and triggered an immediate, celebratory mob at midfield as the Huskies scored a 2-1 upset victory against No. 12 UMass Lowell in front of a record-breaking men's soccer crowd of more than 2,000 faithful at Parsons Field.
 
After holding a 4-0 shot advantage against the River Hawks during the first overtime period, Northeastern (1-3-0) survived a pair of shots by the visitors before a poor UMass Lowell challenge resulted in the Huskies winning their first penalty try of the 2017 season. Nygaard proceeded to step to the dot and bank his penalty strike off the left post and in for the junior's second career goal and first in 10 appearances (Oct. 4, 2016).
 
Northeastern's extra-time heroics would have been for naught without Jonathan Thuresson, who made a career high, nine saves, while facing UMass Lowell's 20 shot attempts. Thuresson was tested five times during the opening 12 minutes of the match and withstood a sixth shot that deflected off the right post, denying the River Hawks on every opportunity before Ivan Blaskic's 62nd-minute strike.
 
Adama Kaba snapped the Huskies' three-match scoreless drought with his first collegiate goal during the 20th minute. Kaba tapped in a left-to-right cross from Harry Swartz, who collected his first point in 14 appearances (Oct. 10, 2015).
 
Northeastern set a season high with 14 shots on Saturday. Gerardo Milano tied Kaba for the team lead with three attempts, while Swartz generated two chances, including his shot during the 99th minute that was saved by Austin Kroll. Lewis Aird and Griffin Sabatini each created two shots, while Nygaard's penalty kick was his second shot of the match.
 
Cautions were even at 2-2 between the Huskies and the River Hawks. Cameron Okoro collected his second of the season during the 35th minute, while Charlton Muhlauri picked up his second of the year during the 76th minute.
 
GOAL RECAPS
 
• Northeastern (20th minute): Harry Swartz made a run up the left side of the midfield. Within the Huskies' 18-yard box, he directed a left-to-cross towards the right post, where Adama Kaba easily tapped in his first collegiate goal.
 
• UMass Lowell (62nd minute): Dario Jovanovski forwarded a pass upfield to Ivan Blaskic, who volleyed a left-to-right ball off the inside right netting to level the match at 1-1.
 
• Northeastern (108th minute): Martin Nygaard buried his penalty kick off the left post, past the outstretched hands of the UMass Lowell goalkeeper, Austin Kroll.

MATCH NOTES
 
• Saturday was Chris Gbandi's first career head coaching victory against a ranked opponent.
 
ATTENDANCE RECORD
 
A roaring crowd of 2,017 was on hand to witness Northeastern's stunning victory against No. 12 UMass Lowell, setting a new men's soccer attendance record at Parsons Field.
 
UP NEXT
 
Northeastern will travel locally to Harvard on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Kickoff has been changed to 7:30 p.m. at Ohiri Field (previously 6 p.m.).

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