UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan men's soccer team celebrated Senior Night with a 2-0 victory over Davenport Panthers. The Wildcats secured three points in the match, thanks to two early goals by senior captain Tommaso Lami.

Head Coach Alex Fatovic praised the team's effort: "Today we were able to get the early goal, which is what we've been searching for, and that allowed us to play all of our cards and I think the guys were fantastic all day long."

Senior transfer Kyle Cameron shared his thoughts on being part of the team: "It's been really special for me being a part of this team. The environment is unlike any other place and I never thought it [the team] would be this tight-knit, and I really love them."

Logan Lazar reflected on his last home game: "Honestly, it's a surreal feeling. Four years ago I wasn't really thinking about this point, and it doesn't really hit you until you're finally playing your last game. Just looking over and seeing everyone's family and the kids that I coached at Marquette United supporting us today was really special."

Lami's performance earned him four points from scoring two goals in the game. He reminisced about his journey with the Wildcats: "I came here two years ago as the youngest player, and now I am like the granddad. I am so proud of them and I can't wait to see them on their Senior Day."

The Wildcats improved their record to 5-6-2 overall and 2-6-1 in conference play before heading into a crucial three-game road trip.

In an intense start, Lami scored his first goal just three minutes into the match after receiving a pass from Alessandro Scialanga. Ten minutes later, he scored again following a one-two play with Xhoel Lutaj.

Despite Davenport's attempts to score, Wildcat goalie Nils Cedergren made several key saves throughout the match. Finn van den Berg also contributed defensively by clearing a shot off the line.

Key statistics include Lami's first multi-goal game of the season, Cedergren's fourth shutout with eight saves, Northern's advantage in corner kicks (four compared to none by Davenport), and Northern recording more shots on target despite being outshot overall.

Next up for Northern Michigan is an away game against Roosevelt University on October 27.