UP Gazette

Northern Michigan University's men's soccer team is preparing for important conference matches this weekend. The Wildcats, currently holding a 4-4-1 overall record and a 1-4-0 conference record, will face Saginaw Valley and Davenport in their quest to improve their standing in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).

Davenport ranks fourth in the GLIAC with a 4-3-3 overall record and a 1-1-2 conference record. The Panthers are on a three-game unbeaten streak, having scored two goals in each of those matches.

Saginaw Valley's Cardinals have a 5-4 overall record and are 1-3 in the conference. Despite their historic advantage over Northern Michigan with a record of 1-12-4, they are currently on a three-game losing streak.

The Wildcats will play against Davenport on Friday, October 11 at 5 p.m., followed by a match against Saginaw Valley on Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m.

Head Coach Alex Fatovic expressed confidence in his team's resilience: "Last week I thought we demonstrated one of our core values, which is resilience, and that's what we have to harp on now."

Statistically, the Wildcats lead the GLIAC in shots per game and corner kicks per game. They also hold the top spot for goals-against average in the conference. Key player Alessandro Scialanga leads Northern Michigan with eight points this season.

For Davenport, junior Andrew Dykstra has emerged as a key player recently with nine points from four goals and an assist over five games. Freshman Easton Lopez follows with eight points but has not scored recently.

Saginaw Valley is led by senior Mzo Mthembu with ten points from five goals this season. However, he has only scored once in his last five outings.

The Wildcats hope to change their fortunes against these teams as they aim for better results away from home this weekend.