Great Lakes Wire

MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University men's soccer team is off to its best start in program history, aided by two goals from Alessandro Scialanga and a complete team effort from start to finish.

"That was a complete 90-minute match out there today," said head coach Alex Fatovic. "From the players that started to the reserves that came off the bench, I couldn't be more proud of the guys. They got what they deserved today."

Leading the way in that full team effort was defenseman Alessandro Scialanga who found the back of the net twice, scoring his first and second career goals.

"This all started two days ago when we were down 2-0 to Lewis and then we fought our way back," says Alessandro. "We didn't get the result we wanted, so we came together after the game to share ideas on how we can improve, and that's what you saw today."

A truly dominant performance, the Wildcats outshot the Saints 19-8 with nine on target to zero for the Saints, guiding the Green and Gold to a third shutout and a program-best 3-0-1 start to the 2024 season.

"As games go on, our quality starts to come out, and we've got it on the bench and in the starting group," added Fatovic. "We're gonna check the tape and see where we can get better before GLIAC's next week, but right now we're going to rest up and enjoy this one."

The 'Cats now move to 3-0-1 with three shutouts in the first four games, marking their best start in program history. They will shift focus to opening GLIAC play on the road with a clash against St. Cloud State next Saturday.

Cat Nips

Sophomore Alessandro Scialanga scored his first career Wildcat goals on the evening, giving him two goals on the season and six points in four games (2-2--4). The last time a Wildcat recorded a multi-goal game was Tommaso Lami on October 23, 2022, with a pair against Upper Iowa.

In his Wildcat debut, Kyle Cameron scored his first career goal with a late dagger to make it 3-0.

James Carr picked up his first career Wildcat point with an assist on Scialanga's first goal.

Tommaso Lami picked up his first assist and third point of the year with an assist on Scialanga's second goal.

Triston Nelson earned his second start of the season and first point of the year with an assist on Cameron's goal.

Nils Cedergren picked up his third career shutout and third clean sheet in four games.

Along with Cedergren, both James Carr and Quinn Van Roij played all 90 minutes at defense. Scialanga (87), Finn Van Den Berg (85), and Lami (83) all played over 80 minutes.

The 'Cats now move to 3-0-1 with three shutouts in four games.

Seven different Wildcats have found the back of the net through four games this season.

How It Happened

The Wildcats nearly captured their first goal ten minutes into play as Teun Van Gansewinkel corralled a ball at his feet just outside the right corner of the box. He made a good hit but sent it just wide of the left post. Two minutes later, Tuen found himself inside again but was unable to convert.

Thomas More had a break halfway through as an attacker darted into NMU’s box. Xhoel Lutaj made a perfect tackle defensively without conceding a penalty.

The Wildcats broke their scoreless tie in final minutes of first half when Alessandro Scialanga’s left-footed shot deflected into bottom left corner for a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Scialanga doubled-up early in second half after receiving pass from Lami inside box; he struck ball into bottom right corner for another goal.

NMU continued dominating possession as attempts from Davian Gumbs & Logan Lazar narrowly missed target inside box.

Kyle Cameron marked debut by finishing pass from Triston Nelson making it final scoreline: NMU -3 Thomas More -0

Up Next

The 'Cats are set for single contest next weekend opening GLIAC slate against St.Cloud State Saturday September21st at8PM ET