Crusaders come up simply quick in FBS matchup at Northern Illinois

DEKALB, Ill. — The Holy Cross soccer group fell simply quick in an FBS matchup at Northern Illinois on Saturday, Aug. 30, with a 19-17 setback of their 2025 opener.

The Crusaders (0-1) allowed only one defensive landing on the day, and trailed simply 6-3 after three quarters. Junior linebacker Cam Santee paced the protection with 10 tackles and a move breakup. Sophomore linebacker Lathan Croley and senior security Tommy Bestpitch every had eight tackles on the day. 

Senior receiver Blake Youngblood had his first profession landing to place the Crusaders within the lead early within the fourth; senior receiver Max Mosey completed with a team-high 71 receiving yards. 

In his first collegiate motion, sophomore quarterback Cal Swanson rushed for a team-best 51 yards and accomplished 17 of his 29 passes for 155 yards within the air. 

Sophomore Alijah Cason had an distinctive day, totaling 187 yards on three kickoff returns and scoring on a 97-yard return to carry Holy Cross inside two factors late. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• In an early defensive battle, the Crusaders held the Huskies to a subject aim with 4 minutes left within the first quarter.
• After Northern Illinois fumbled a snap to offer Holy Cross nice subject place, Palenzuela related on a 33-yarder to make it a 3-3 sport with 3:22 left within the first half.
• The Huskies kicked one other subject aim late within the half to take a 6-3 benefit into the locker room.
• Cason returned the opening kickoff of the second half for 69 yards, however the Crusaders have been unable to transform on an ensuing subject aim try. Later within the third quarter, junior linebacker Adam Due blocked a punt, however Holy Cross additionally got here up quick on that drive, heading into the fourth nonetheless trailing by three.
• Holy Cross’ offense was capable of break by means of early within the fourth quarter. After 15-yard and 46-yard completions to Mosey, Swanson related with Youngblood for a 16-yard landing to offer Holy Cross a 10-6 lead with 10:34 to go.
• NIU instantly responded with a 96-yard kickoff return landing, however missed the purpose after, to carry a 12-10 lead with 10:21 remaining.
• The Huskies prolonged their benefit to 19-10 with 4:15 left on a two-yard landing rush.
• Holy Cross instantly responded, with Cason returning the following kickoff 97 yards to carry the Crusaders inside two factors with 4:03 left.
• The Crusader protection compelled a three-and-out to get the ball again with 2:17 remaining, however turned the ball over on downs, and NIU was capable of run out the clock.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE: 

• Cason’s 187 kickoff return yards are tied for third in single-game program historical past; his 97-yard kickoff return is tied for the second-longest in program historical past and is the longest since 1979.
• Santee’s 10-tackle efficiency marked his first profession sport with double-digit tackles.
• In three of the group’s final 4 setbacks towards FBS competitors, the Crusaders have fallen by three factors or much less.

UP NEXT: 

• The Crusaders journey to Durham, N.H., for a matchup towards the University of New Hampshire on Saturday, Sept. 6.
• Kickoff is scheduled for six p.m.

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