This story is courtesy of NMU Sports Information
SAGINAW, Mich. -- The NMU men's soccer team made history on the Robbert C. Braddock Field, defeating the #2 seeded Roosevelt Lakers 2-1 in overtime to advance to the GLIAC Championships.
With the win, the #3 seeded Wildcats (8-4-6, 6-4-2 GLIAC) not only advance to the GLIAC Championship for the first time in program history, but match the program record for most wins in a season at eight. After finishing last place and missing the playoffs just a season ago, head coach Alex Fatovic said that "it means the world" to be in the conference championship match on Sunday.
"It shows the determination and grit from these guys, and I'm so proud of them. It's never easy, and especially when it's the defending champions. For them to dig deep after conceding a penalty with 13 minutes to go and being under a lot of pressure to end the game, to find a little rhythm and score the golden-goal, this speaks volumes of their character."
The 'Cats were fortunate enough to have a lot of traveling friends and family who showed up to support the team from all over the country. After the community showed up big for the team on Sunday in the quarterfinals, the NMU soccer community is something that head coach Fatovic says his team is forever grateful for.
"It shows the amount of support our program has, not only in Marquette, but around the state as well. They feel the energy our guys bring, and they're always here supporting us. I can't wait to see all of the Green and Gold on Sunday."
In a dominant first half, the 'Cats finally broke through in the 24th minute. All-GLIAC Honorable Mention, Ian Weimer, finished off a terrific passing play from All-GLIAC First Teammer, Luca Rosen, and star defender James Carr. The Wildcats were truly on the front foot in the first half, outshooting the Lakers 7-3 with three on target to none. When the teams were in possession, the 'Cats spent 57% of that in the attacking half compared to the Lakers 48%.
Roosevelt came out on the front foot in the second half, controlling play and eventually tying the match off a Fynn Mewes penalty with 13 minutes remaining, just the second PK allowed all season.
The Wildcats got exceptional second-half performances from goalkeeper Asaf Kristal and Isaac Cervantes, who came off the bench and made a handful of game-saving plays to keep the game tied. Despite only making two saves, both of them were crucial, and he aided the 'Cats across the line.
"Two massive saves. The free kick was an absolute worldie, save of the year contender, and then coming off his line again a few minutes later. Not much you can do on the penalty, but again, he's steady, has good leadership, great distribution, and no errors whatsoever."
Though he doesn't show up on the score sheet for it, the 'Cats got a handful of massive defensive plays from Cervantes in the second half to keep the game deadlocked. Head coach Fatovic describes him as a "closer" when referring to the sophomore defender.
"[Isaac] is absolutely unbelievable. I will put him in the game at any time, without a doubt. He's a warrior, and he knows his role: he starts some, he doesn't start some, but if we're winning and trying to preserve a lead, he knows he's going in. Those were some big-time saves at the end of the game, and then we stuck with him in overtime because he was playing so well, and that speaks volumes of his maturity to not be a starter and come off the bench and make saves for us like that."
After opening the scoring in the first half, it was Weimer who was the overtime hero, as he found a loose ball at the side of the net and poked a rebound past the keeper, winning the game for the Green and Gold just three minutes into the overtime period. James Carr sent in the pass that led to the goal.
"Like we've said before, [Ian] just gets better every game. He was fantastic again today, and he plays the nine [position] the way it should be played; getting in good areas, great finish on the first goal, and he's pressing all the time… He's the hero with a golden-goal, finds his way on a brace, and I'm super proud of him."
The Wildcats now face hosts, #1 Saginaw Valley State, in the Championship, after the Cardinals downed the #5 Panthers 3-1 earlier in the day. Kickoff from Robbert C. Braddock Field on the campus of Saginaw Valley is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 16.
