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SEARCY, Ark. – The No. 15-ranked Northeastern State men's soccer team recorded a second shutout victory over Harding this season with a 3-0 win Thursday night at Stevens Field.
 
The RiverHawks improved to 10-3 on the season and 8-0 in the MIAA. The Bisons dropped to 2-6-2 overall and 2-4-1 in the conference. NSU has now reached the 10-win plateau in each of the last three seasons. The last time Northeastern State posted 10 or more wins three years in a row was 1996-98.
 
The RiverHawks pushed forward early and took the first seven shots, but they were unable to find the back of the net. That was until the 30th minute, when senior forward Juan Peralta received a pass at the top of the box and took control of proceedings. His first touch to the right was deflected out to the boot of sophomore midfielder Chris Mendez. Mendez shot from the right to the far left post to put the road side on top 1-0.
 
Northeastern State added an insurance marker 48 seconds before halftime. The play started when sophomore forward Jonathan Guzman possessed the ball on the far right wing, and he sent a long cross into the box that was flicked on by freshman midfielder Trevor Reed. The final touch was finished by sophomore midfielder Michael Greenfield. Greenfield's first goal of the season gives NSU 15 different goal scorers this year.
 
Peralta was taken down from behind in the 64th minute, and senior forward Jordan Schmoker converted the ensuing penalty kick to push the scoreline to the final 3-0 margin.
 
The RiverHawks improved to 15-0 all-time against Harding, and they completed the season sweep after taking down HU 4-0 earlier this season.
 
Northeastern State outshot the Bisons 20-12 and led 8-5 in corner kicks.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Jackson Biles (9-3) made a pair of saves to earn his fifth clean sheet of the season. Harding starting goalkeeper Tyler Melson played just 1:52 before leaving with an injury. Thomas Shults (2-4) finished the match in net for the home side and took the loss after making four saves and conceding all three goals.
 
NSU returns home for a 1 p.m. match Oct. 18 against Lindenwood.
 
NORTHEASTERN STATE COACH ROB CZLONKA
Opening statement…
"I'm very happy with how all our guys played. We had a few lulls here and there and a few things that we need to sharpen up, but I felt like everybody was very focused on defending. I'm really proud of them for working as a team to get the shutout."
 
On getting scoring contributions from three different players…
"We've got a talented group, and it's hard to know exactly who is going to have a shining moment from game to game. I thought Ricardo (Palomino) was very influential in those first 25 minutes. He really sparked that first goal. We had several other guys step in and take care of business for us. Unfortunately we're dealing with some injuries, but every time someone goes down, it allows another player to step up and make an impact."
 
On the importance of Saturday's home match against Lindenwood…
"It's another MIAA game, and it's another chance for us to test our team against a great conference opponent. Our goal is to be No. 1 in the MIAA, and this game will be very important if we want to accomplish that goal."
 
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