UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan University men's soccer team played to a 0-0 draw against Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. The match was a defensive contest, with neither side able to score despite several opportunities.

"Extremely proud of the group today. They battled all game long for a deserved point on the road," said head coach Alex Fatovic. He noted this was the third consecutive draw his team has achieved against Lewis, including another 0-0 result in Romeoville two seasons prior. "We had our chances and need to produce more in the attack, but when you can defend and lock down teams of this caliber on the road, we know we're in every game. Now on to leg two of the trip against Lake Erie on Sunday for a game that won't be any easier, but I know our squad will be up for the challenge."

The Wildcats remain unbeaten early in their season with one win and two draws (1-0-2 overall). Their next match is scheduled against Lake Erie, which has not yet won a game this season.

Lewis University entered the match after scoring multiple goals in its first games but was held scoreless for the first time this season by NMU's defense. Wildcat goalkeeper Asaf Kristal recorded five saves and secured his second shutout with NMU. For Lewis, Yoan Zagorov made two saves and earned his second shutout as well.

Statistically, Lewis out-shot NMU 12-7 and had five shots on target compared to NMU's two. In the closing minutes, Lewis applied pressure but was unable to break through NMU's defensive line.

For NMU, forward Teun Van Gansewinkel led with three shot attempts. Tyler Kowalczyk contributed off the bench with two shots during his 54 minutes on the field. Defenders Alessandro Scialanga, James Carr, Terry Grimaldi, Quint Van Roij, and Owen Rutledge each played the full match alongside Kristal.

NMU had one corner kick early in the match while Lewis earned five throughout. The Wildcats were called for 17 fouls compared to Lewis' 10; Carr and Kowalczyk both received yellow cards.

Next up for NMU is an away game at Lake Erie College scheduled for Sunday afternoon.