Monday, September 1
Kansas City, Mo.
7:30 PM
Kansas City
2-0-2, 0-0-0
2
vs
1
Northern Illinois
2-1-1, 0-0-0
1
2
F
NIU
1
0
1
Kansas City
2
0
2
Francou's Brace Lifts Roos Over Northern Illinois
9/1/2025 10:25:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Jeremy Francou scored both of Kansas City's goals as the Roos remained undefeated in 2025
KANSAS CITY - When Kansas City Men's Soccer needs goals in a pinch, they know who to go to. The man is Jeremy Francou, and he was responsible for both of the Roos' (2-0-2) goals in tonight's 2-1 win over Northern Illinois (2-1-1). He helped keep KC undefeated on the young season, finishing their three-game home stand with two wins and a draw.
HIGHLIGHTS
The first opportunity of the game went the Roos' way - Joackim Betina sent a booming pass forward that drew NIU's keeper out of goal, sneaking past him and finding its way to Francou's foot. From there, Francou's job was simple, slotting the ball into an open net with nobody around to stop him.
It was a quick start for Kansas City, but Northern Illinois would equalize in the 19th minute on a goal from Grant Paskus, and for most of the rest of the first half it seemed like the Huskies were in control. NIU attempted 12 shots across the first period and the Roos did not find room for their second shot attempt of the game until the 35th minute. Marc Popow was called into action for three saves in the first period just to keep the score level.
Then, Francou struck again. Bryce Outman won a ball at midfield and played it over to Francou. He found Shotaro Kodama with space on the left side, taking the ball to the edge of the box. Kodama played it back Francou's direction, who centered the ball from 20 yards out and took a rip, sneaking by an NIU defender and past keeper Atahan Arslan for the eventual game-winning goal.
The second half was played much more evenly, with both teams attempting six shots. Niether was able to find the back of the goal, making Francou's brace-securing tally the game-winner. It is his first game-winner of the season and the second of his career, the first coming against Oral Roberts on Nov. 9, 2024. It is also the first brace of his Kansas City career, giving him seven goals across 14 appearances in a Roo uniform.
INTERVIEWS: COACH PORE & FRANCOU
Many Roos saw new opportunities against the Huskies this evening. Betina and Kodama's assists were each of their first points as Roos. Kodama made his collegiate debut tonight, playing 64 total minutes. Outman played 64 minutes as well, marking a career-high, Emmanuele Garofalo got the first minutes of his career and Ales Kohoutek saw his first minutes this season.
Kansas City returns to action on Friday, traveling to Portland for a game against the Pilots that will kick off at 9 p.m. CT.
HIGHLIGHTS
The first opportunity of the game went the Roos' way - Joackim Betina sent a booming pass forward that drew NIU's keeper out of goal, sneaking past him and finding its way to Francou's foot. From there, Francou's job was simple, slotting the ball into an open net with nobody around to stop him.
It was a quick start for Kansas City, but Northern Illinois would equalize in the 19th minute on a goal from Grant Paskus, and for most of the rest of the first half it seemed like the Huskies were in control. NIU attempted 12 shots across the first period and the Roos did not find room for their second shot attempt of the game until the 35th minute. Marc Popow was called into action for three saves in the first period just to keep the score level.
Then, Francou struck again. Bryce Outman won a ball at midfield and played it over to Francou. He found Shotaro Kodama with space on the left side, taking the ball to the edge of the box. Kodama played it back Francou's direction, who centered the ball from 20 yards out and took a rip, sneaking by an NIU defender and past keeper Atahan Arslan for the eventual game-winning goal.
The second half was played much more evenly, with both teams attempting six shots. Niether was able to find the back of the goal, making Francou's brace-securing tally the game-winner. It is his first game-winner of the season and the second of his career, the first coming against Oral Roberts on Nov. 9, 2024. It is also the first brace of his Kansas City career, giving him seven goals across 14 appearances in a Roo uniform.
INTERVIEWS: COACH PORE & FRANCOU
Many Roos saw new opportunities against the Huskies this evening. Betina and Kodama's assists were each of their first points as Roos. Kodama made his collegiate debut tonight, playing 64 total minutes. Outman played 64 minutes as well, marking a career-high, Emmanuele Garofalo got the first minutes of his career and Ales Kohoutek saw his first minutes this season.
Kansas City returns to action on Friday, traveling to Portland for a game against the Pilots that will kick off at 9 p.m. CT.
Team Stats
NIU
Roos
Goals
1
2
Shots
18
9
Shots on Goal
6
4
Saves
2
5
Corners
7
5
Fouls
13
20
Scoring Plays
Jeremy Francou (3)
Assisted By: Joackim Betina , Gabriele Galluccio
GOAL by Roos Francou, Jeremy Assist by Betina, Joackim and Galluccio, Gabriele.
06:20
Grant Paskus (1)
Assisted By: Katai Mukuka
GOAL by NIU Paskus, Grant Assist by Mukuka, Katai.
18:56
Jeremy Francou (3)
Assisted By: Shotaro Kodama
GOAL by Roos Francou, Jeremy Assist by Kodama, Shotaro.
43:42
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
2
SOG
2
Goals
2
Assists
0
Shots
3
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Players Mentioned
D
/ Men's SoccerF
/ Men's Soccer
MF
/ Men's SoccerMF
/ Men's Soccer
D
/ Men's Soccer
MF/F
/ Men's Soccer
GK
/ Men's SoccerPostgame Interview: Coach Pore post-Drake
Tuesday, September 09
Men's Soccer Highlights vs. Drake
Tuesday, September 09
Men's Soccer Highlights at No. 24 Portland
Friday, September 05
Postgame Interview: Coach Pore post-Portland
Friday, September 05