TAHLEQUAH -- Nick Garcia's goal in the 16th second of the match was enough for Northeastern State to muscle past Drury 1-0 Thursday night.

The goal is tied for the 14th fastest goal from the start of the game in NCAA Division II history.  

Garcia scored his second career goal off one-touch passes from Sam Scarth and Jack Barrier.  With the Drury goalkeeper charging well in front of the left side of goal, it left a wide-open net for Garcia to punt the ball over his head for the quick score. 

There would have to be some credit to NSU's foe who played a man down for the final 67 minutes after the center official flashed a straight red card to a Panther defender.   Drury (0-1) fended off 13 shot attempts by the RiverHawks, and their keeper stopped six shots.

Niklas Kirhoff collected his second career shutout with the RiverHawks defense, not allowing a single shot on-goal.

Northeastern State (1-0) returns to the pitch Saturday at 1 p.m. hosting Missouri S&T.