ST. LOUIS - Raymond Lee's first collegiate goal in the 58th minute sliced Northern Illinois' lead in half, but the Huskies held on for a 2-1 victory over Saint Louis Saturday night at Robert R. Hermann Stadium in the season opener for both teams.

Kingsley Bryce took a shot that hit the left post, and a scramble for the ball ensued. Lee gathered the rebound and found the back of the net from close range at 57:42.

However, the Billikens could not come up with the equalizer. Bryce managed a shot on goal with 35 seconds left, but it was stopped by NIU goalkeeper Jordan Godsey.

The Huskies, who went 3-0 in exhibition play including a win over nationally ranked Michigan State, took the lead at the 35:53 mark. Gael Rivera took a Finn Jor cross from the left side and volleyed a shot into the center of the goal.

NIU made it 2-0 at 41;23. Paul Hogan collected the rebound off a Francis Otira shot that was turned away by SLU keeper Mark Pais and banged it in. Pais made five saves on the evening, while Godsey registered two.