Justin Alfaro’s goal is enough for Wildcats
MIDLAND, Mich. – In the 66th minute of the season opener, freshman Justin Alfaro stepped into a ball just inside the 18-yard box and delivered a bouncer low left that beat the goalkeeper and whistled into the back of the net for the lone score, lifting the NMU men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory and 1-0 start to the new season.
The goal came off a free kick play in which Northwood had three separate instances of clearing, but sophomore James Carr fought through each time to keep the ball in the attacking end and give NMU a chance. Once Alfaro got his leg to the ball, the freshman from Katy, Texas made sure to capitalize on his first collegiate kick.
“Great team win to start this season,” said coach Alex Fatovic after the match. “Big shout out to Justin Alfaro for scoring his first college goal and game-winning goal.”
Northern commanded the majority of play throughout, but really set the pace from the jump. The Timberwolves first possession across midfield didn’t come until over 10 minutes passed, and by then, the Wildcats settled into a rhythm in the midfield.
“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 ‘Cats out shot the Timberwolves 14-10, with a 5-1 edge in shots on goal. The lone scoring chance from Northwood was a high-quality one, however, and 6’4″ freshman goalkeeper Nils Cedergren made a dazzling leg save in the 32nd minute to keep the game scoreless at the time. The native of Malmö, Sweden became the first NMU freshman since 2018 to record a shutout in his first start (Patrick Restum, 5-0 win vs. UW-Superior).
Northwood did balance out the pressure in spurts over the 90-minute clash, commanding the final three corners of the game after NMU’s lone chance came in the early stages of the match.
Captain Tommaso Lami led the match with four total shots including a pair on goal. Alfaro, Alessandro Scialanga, and Teun Van Gansewinkel each recorded multiple shots as well.
How it Happened
1st Half
The Timberwolves opened the match with a foul in the first minute, leading to an early opportunity for Triston Nelson that was turned aside.
The Wildcats continued the push forward with multiple looks to the goal in the form of a corner kick and shots on target, forcing the Timberwolves goalkeeper to make stops.
Northwood responded by pushing towards the Wildcat defensive zone as the first half progressed, resulting in a shot on goal that was saved by NMU Goalkeeper Nils Cedergren.
2nd Half
The 2nd half of play opened with the teams exchanging advances with little success reaching either goal.
In the 65th minute of the match Tommaso Lami recorded the first shot on goal of the second half, quickly followed by another shot attempt by freshman Quint Van Roij. This sparked Alfaro’s goal not too long after.
Cat Nips
- Justin Alfaro scored his first goal for the Wildcats
- Freshman goalkeeper Nils Cedergren logged his first career start and save for NMU
- Tommaso Lami recorded four shots in the match, two of which were shots on goal
- NMU clashed against Northwood in its opening match last season as well, but with a much different outcome. The Wildcats returned the favor after a 4-2 defeat in Marquette a year ago.
Up Next
The Wildcats will travel to Quincy, Illinois to face the Hawks of Quincy University on Sunday, September 8 at 1 p.m.
