UP Gazette

The NMU men's soccer team is preparing for its final regular season home games, coinciding with International Student Day on Friday and Senior Day on Sunday. The Wildcats are set to face the Cardinals and the Panthers after their recent road trip where they tied 1-1 against Davenport and lost 2-1 to the Cardinals.

NMU enters this weekend with a record of 4-5-2 overall and 1-5-1 in conference play. Saginaw Valley ranks fourth in the GLIAC standings, boasting a 7-4 overall record and a two-game winning streak. Meanwhile, Davenport holds second place in the conference with a 5-3-4 overall record.

The Wildcats will play Saginaw Valley on Friday, October 18 at 2 p.m., followed by a match against Davenport on Sunday, October 20 at the same time.

International Student Day invites international students to support the team on Friday, while Sunday's Senior Day will honor Tommaso Lami, Logan Lazar, and Kyle Cameron before kickoff.

Coach Alex Fatovic commented, "It's a unique opportunity to get revenge right away, and I know the guys will be up for it."

The Wildcats lead in several statistical categories within the GLIAC: first in shots per game (15.45), corner kicks per game (just under six), goals-against average (1.09), and second in shots on goal per game (5.91) as well as shutout percentage (0.333).

Goalkeeper Nils Cedergren leads the conference in minutes played (990:00) and goals-against average (1.091). Alessandro Scialanga tops NMU's scoring chart with eight points from three goals and two assists.

Saginaw Valley has recently been bolstered by players Francisco Capellan and Jayden Cameron receiving player of the week honors. Meanwhile, Davenport relies heavily on freshman Easton Lopez who scored twice last weekend.

For updates during these matches, fans can follow @NMU_Mens_Soccer on X.