Great Lakes Wire

In the 66th minute of the season opener, freshman Justin Alfaro delivered a decisive goal for the NMU men's soccer team, securing a 1-0 victory against Northwood. The goal resulted from a free kick play where sophomore James Carr persistently kept the ball in the attacking end, allowing Alfaro to capitalize on his first collegiate kick.

"Great team win to start this season," said coach Alex Fatovic. "Big shout out to Justin Alfaro for scoring his first college goal and game-winning goal."

Northern Michigan University (NMU) dominated much of the match, setting an early pace. Northwood's first possession across midfield occurred over ten minutes into the game, by which time NMU had settled into a rhythm.

"The level of effort, intensity and desire to fight from the start and to fight through all the adversity we faced is a great sign for our young group," added Fatovic.

The Wildcats outshot Northwood 14-10 with a 5-1 edge in shots on goal. Northwood's lone scoring chance was thwarted by freshman goalkeeper Nils Cedergren in the 32nd minute, maintaining a scoreless tie at that point. Cedergren became the first NMU freshman since 2018 to record a shutout in his debut.

Northwood balanced out pressure intermittently throughout the match but commanded the final three corners after NMU’s single corner chance early on.

Captain Tommaso Lami led with four total shots, including two on target. Alfaro, Alessandro Scialanga, and Teun Van Gansewinkel also recorded multiple shots.

In detailing how events unfolded:

1st Half

The Timberwolves began with an early foul leading to an opportunity for Triston Nelson that was turned aside. The Wildcats maintained pressure with multiple attempts forcing saves from Northwood's goalkeeper. As play progressed, Northwood managed a shot on goal saved by Cedergren.

2nd Half

Both teams exchanged advances initially without success until Tommaso Lami recorded the first shot on goal of the half in the 65th minute. This preceded another attempt by freshman Quint Van Roij and ultimately led to Alfaro’s deciding goal.

Key Points:

- Justin Alfaro scored his inaugural goal for NMU.

- Freshman goalkeeper Nils Cedergren logged his first career start and save.

- Captain Tommaso Lami recorded four shots with two on target.

- NMU avenged last season's opening match defeat against Northwood with this victory.

Up Next

The Wildcats will travel to Quincy, Illinois, to face Quincy University on Sunday, September 8 at 1 p.m.