UP Gazette

After a four-game stretch without a win, the Northern Michigan Wildcats men's soccer team secured a 3-0 victory over the St. Cloud State Huskies in Marquette. The Wildcats, now holding a 5-4-5 overall record and 4-4-2 in the GLIAC conference, gained three important points as they approach the final two games of the regular season, both set to be played at their home field.

The St. Cloud State Huskies, whose record dropped to 4-10-1 overall and 2-8-0 in conference play, have struggled recently with eight losses in their last nine matches and have not won an away game since mid-September.

The first goal came at the 13-minute mark when Ian Weimer scored on a header from a cross delivered by James Carr. Weimer has become more prominent for the Wildcats lately, starting five of the last six games after only two starts earlier in the season. His playing time has increased significantly during this period.

In the first half, despite facing wind challenges, Northern Michigan outshot St. Cloud State seven to three. Both teams managed three shots on target and earned three corner kicks each.

Luca Rosen broke his scoring drought by netting two goals in the second half. His first came from a penalty he earned and converted himself early after halftime. He added another late in the match by intercepting a pass on defense and finishing one-on-one against substitute goalkeeper Dufner.

Goalkeeper Asaf Kristal recorded his seventh shutout of the season—fifth within conference play—by stopping all six shots on target from St. Cloud State. The Wildcats' defense limited their opponents to just eight total shot attempts, which is among their best defensive performances this year.

Both teams received two yellow cards each; Jan Hoffman and Alessandro Scialanga were booked for Northern Michigan. Elliot Hadley of St. Cloud State was shown a red card in the 75th minute, leaving his team down a player for the remainder of the match.

Video review (VAR) confirmed an offside call that nullified what would have been NMU’s second goal before Rosen’s brace sealed the result.

Northern Michigan will conclude its regular season at home next weekend, facing Roosevelt on Friday, October 31, followed by senior day celebrations on Sunday, November 2.