UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan University men's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against the Davenport Panthers in Marquette on Sunday. The Wildcats, now holding a 4-2-4 overall record and 3-2-1 in the GLIAC, saw Luca Rosen score in the 68th minute after earning a red card just outside the box and converting the resulting free kick.

Rosen's goal briefly put NMU ahead, but the lead lasted only two minutes. Davenport goalkeeper Beau Hudd delivered a free kick into the box that eventually reached Ryan Sheffer, who scored the equalizer with a header.

Despite playing with a man advantage for the final 20 minutes and taking 10 shots in the last 15 minutes, NMU could not break through again. The Wildcats also contended with strong wind gusts throughout the second half.

Head coach Alex Fatovic commented on the result: "We got the goal, we were up a man, and at that point I thought 'let's see this out'. [Their goal] came off a silly foul, and we knew all game that the wind was blowing in our face to end the game, and we wanted to limit free kicks. When you give a team service after service after service, things are bound to happen."

Rosen's performance extended his scoring streak to three games, with five goals in his last six matches. He also set a new season high with ten shots in this game. Fatovic said, "He's finding his groove [at the right time] and finishing on his chances, we just have to keep him going."

Goalkeeper Asaf Kristal made ten saves, marking his second consecutive game with double-digit saves.

Davenport, now 1-5-4 overall and 0-3-3 in conference play, extended its unbeaten run to three matches. The two teams will meet again next Friday as NMU begins a series of three road games.

Fatovic noted, "We got into a typical tough, physical GLIAC game. That team hasn't lost in three games; they may be at the bottom of the table, but they're in it and fighting. Now we have to turn around and play them on the road on Friday. It'll be a tough challenge for us, but our guys will be up for it."

The match saw several key moments. Early in the game, Rosen narrowly missed a free kick opportunity. Davenport responded late in the first half with a blocked free kick. In the second half, NMU created a dangerous chance through Damian Gumbs but could not convert. Rosen eventually opened scoring after being fouled just outside the box and converting his free kick. Davenport equalized soon after through Sheffer's header. NMU pressed for a winner in the closing stages but could not find another goal.