Story, photo courtesy of NMU Sports Information
MARQUETTE, Mich. - In a monumental day at the NMU Soccer Field, the men's soccer team took down the reigning GLIAC Champions and 2024 NCAA Elite Eight team 1-0.
The Wildcats (4-2-3, 3-2-0 GLIAC) took a full three points off of the No. 17 Cardinals (5-1-3, 4-1-0 GLIAC), something no team this season has yet been able to do. The Wildcats also secured only its second win in program history over SVSU, and just the first time the 'Cats have downed the Cardinals in Marquette.
"It doesn't' get any better than that," adds head coach Alex Fatovic during a post-game press conference. "We've been getting better each year, and that's the win we've been looking for. It's a big win against a big team at home, using [our familiar field and playing conditions] to our advantage, and we became a force today."
The Wildcats got a goal from Luca Rosen, who now owns the team-lead in goals and game-winning goals, scoring his fourth goal in five games and third game-winning goal in his past four. Rosen says that over the last few weeks, he has found a "confidence" in himself that has aided to his goal-scoring ability.
"In training we've worked on a lot of shooting, which has really helped me. I was on a bit of a goal drought to start the season, but since the GLIAC started, it's switched on. Everything's falling for me [right now], and it's been perfect."
"As soon as he got it on his left foot, I knew it was a goal." added Fatovic. "He's been getting better at training each week, and he's our goal scorer… We just have to keep feeding him those opportunities because we know he can finish."
NMU faced a great deal of adversity in the second half. The 'Cats were whistled for what was originally a yellow card against Tyler Kowalczyk in the 55th minute. After a discussion, the referee's decided to make use VAR, which then led them to a decision to upgrade the tackle to a straight red. Fatovic added that his team "just kept battling".
"We knew we were going to be under [pressure] for the next 35 minutes, and man did they play strong. So proud of the team.. Really nice team win, and sets us up nicely for Sunday."
After the red card, the 'Cats were outshot 19-2, with SVSU amassing six corner kicks to none in that stretch. The Cardinals also held a 62% possession, and when they had the ball, 77% was in the Wildcats defending half. Despite the adversity of playing down a man for the final half an hour, Fatovic says he was proud at the way his team handled the situation.
"You saw how many guys went in; we changed our formation and changed our personnel, and we didn't skip a beat, and that just show's how hard-working this team is."
Goalkpeer Asaf Kristal had an exceptional outing today, posting a season-high twelve saves for his fifth shutout of the season. Kristal and the 'Cats now have three shutouts the past four games, and have only conceded one goal in that frame.
"[He was] unbelievable, again. If your number ten and your number one can have good games and be productive in both ends of the field in the goal box, then you're going to win a game. Two massive saves in the the last couple of minutes to keep us under… At some point, you are going to give up crosses, and for him to come up big like that was huge… Another shutout, another win, couldn't be more proud of his efforts today.
Along with the goalkeeper Kristal, the Wildcats got full ninety-minute performances from James Carr, Terry Grimaldi, Quint Van Roij, and Andrea Mercanti. Owen Rutledge (81) played a majority of the game, only being subbed off once for a quick breather before coming back in to aid the 'Cats in the dying minutes.
