Coan nets two as Marquette downs NIU, 3-1

Box Score (PDF) | Highlights

MILWAUKEE – Senior Josh Coan posted two goals an assist as the Marquette University men's soccer team picked up a 3-1 victory over Northern Illinois on Friday evening at Valley Fields.

Both of Coan's goals came off set pieces in the 23rd and 32nd minutes and classmate Connor Alba notched the match winner in the 31st minute off a beautiful feed from Coan and Patrick Seagrist.

The Huskies (0-4-1) opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a goal by Nick Markanich before Marquette scored three unanswered for a 3-1 lead at the break.

Coan netted the equalizer on a free kick that skipped past NIU goalkeeper Konrad Dziedzic from 24 yards tucked inside the right post.

The tie was short lived, however, as Seagrist used a cut back pass to find Alba at the penalty kick spot for the 31st minute score. Coan flicked the ball from the top left corner of the box to Seagrist who was streaking down the left flank. Seagrist then one-touched the ball back into the box for Alba, who calmly buried it down the center of the net.

Coan notched his second goal on a free kick from the left flank, again beating Dziedzic to the right post.

The senior from Indianapolis posted a career-high nine shots in the victory, with seven coming on frame.

Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Jackson Weyman earned the clean sheet for the Golden Eagles, who improve to 2-1-1 on the season.

Marquette returns to the pitch on Tuesday evening at Engelmann Stadium in the latest installment of the Milwaukee Cup against the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Man of the match, Josh Coan, following a career-high five points against NIU. #WeAreMarquette pic.twitter.com/spX6r88yD1
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) September 14, 2019

Head coach Louis Bennett reacts following Friday's win at Valley Fields. #WeAreMarquette pic.twitter.com/wJQRsqLMaG
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) September 14, 2019

Keep up with the Marquette University men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer). For tickets contact the Marquette Ticket Office at (414) 288-4668 (GOMU), by email or on Twitter (/MUTicketOffice).