UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan University men's soccer team is set to play two away games this weekend after a successful stretch at home. The Wildcats recently defeated the previously unbeaten and 17th-ranked Saginaw Valley State 1-0 and tied with Davenport 1-1, earning four out of a possible six conference points. This weekend, NMU will face both teams again—this time on the road—with a Friday match in Grand Rapids against Davenport and a Sunday match against Saginaw Valley.

Currently, the Wildcats are fourth in the GLIAC standings, just behind Saginaw Valley. NMU enters the weekend with a conference record of 3-2-1 and an overall record of 4-2-4.

Saginaw Valley State suffered its first two losses of the season last weekend, dropping out of the national rankings after being ranked 17th. The team now has a conference record of 4-2-0 and an overall record of 5-2-3. Davenport remains at the bottom of the conference with a 0-3-3 record in conference play and a 1-5-4 overall record.

The Wildcats encourage fans to follow their social media accounts for updates before and during the matches. Friday's match against Davenport is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., and Sunday's match against Saginaw Valley will take place at 11:00 a.m.

Head coach Alex Fatovic shared his thoughts ahead of the matches.

This week, two Wildcats players received recognition for their performances. Luca Rosen and Asaf Kristal were named GLIAC offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively. Rosen scored two goals over the weekend, increasing his point total to 11 and extending his goal-scoring streak to three games. He leads the conference in goals during conference play (5), game-winning goals (3), shots, and shots on goal, and ranks fourth nationally in shots per game (4.0). Kristal recorded a season-high 12 saves and a shutout in the win over Saginaw Valley and made double-digit saves in both matches last weekend. He leads the GLIAC in goals against (5), goals-against average (0.833), save percentage (0.868), shutouts (3), and is second in saves per game (5.50).

The Wildcats are averaging 0.9 goals per game this season, with nine total goals. Tuen Van Gansewinkel has contributed two goals and two assists.

Davenport, NMU's Friday opponent, is last in the GLIAC. The Panthers have scored seven goals and allowed 11 in six conference matches. Their only win came in their first game of the season. Charlie David leads Davenport with four goals, while Ryan Sheffer has five points from one goal and three assists. Goalkeeper Beau Hudd has made 31 saves and holds a save percentage of 0.721.

Saginaw Valley State, which NMU faces on Sunday, recently dropped from national and regional rankings after two losses. The team leads the conference in goals scored (21) and has allowed only eight goals this season. Matty Telfer leads Saginaw Valley with five goals and one assist. Lui Ingavi ranks second in the GLIAC for shots and first for shots on goal per game. Goalkeeper Nick Kay has a save percentage of 0.765, four shutouts, and a goals-against average of 0.800.