TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State's Cullen Graham first career goal broke a 1-1 tie midway through the second half as the #8 RiverHawks gutted out a 2-1 victory over Rogers State at Deloache Field here Thursday.

NSU moves to 3-0 on the year, while the Hillcats fall to 1-2.

Senior captain Joe Garcia opened the scoring for the RiverHawks in the opening half.  Garcia bended a free kick past the diving RSU keeper to collect his fourth goal of the year and give NSU the 1-0 heading into halftime.

A scary moment in the opening half for the RiverHawks as starting keeper Thomas Salenbien was injured making a save and Reuben Rabstein was called into service. 

Rogers State did not take long to find the equalizer in the second half. A Michael Turner header off a corner tied the game at 1-1.  NSU countered with what turned out to be the game winner a few minutes later.  Graham's first career goal off a pass from Garcia solidified the 2-1 victory.

Salenbien returned in the second half to earn the victory moving to 3-0.  Garcia now has four goals and three assists through three games.

The close proximity of the teams was relevant as the teams were called for a combined 27 fouls and issued six yellow cards(NSU 4, RSU 2).

Next action the #8 RiverHawks will be this Saturday as Oklahoma Christian will visit Deloache Field.  Game time is set for 7:00 pm.