NMU scores twice to end up 2-2
MARQUETTE, Mich. – A scoreless game after the first 45 minutes of play, both teams scored two goals in the final frame as the Wildcats secured a comeback draw against nationally ranked Lewis University.
Northern was unable to convert on its chances in a dominant opening half, and Lewis opened the scoring with two of its own to start the second half, giving the 2023 final four Flyers a 2-0 lead with just over 30 minutes remaining.
NMU remained persistent and scored two of its own to complete the comeback and earn a draw, with career-first goals coming from freshman William Uchenna and sophomore Davian Gumbs.
The WIldcats remain undefeated and move to 2-0-1 on the season. The Flyers fail to find its first win of the season, moving to 0-2-1.
Cat Nips
- William Uchenna and Davian Gumbs scored their first career goals with the Green and Gold
- Alessandro Scialanga picked up an assist on the Gumbs goal, giving him two helpers the last two games
- Nils Cedergren made his third straight start, making two saves
- The ‘Cats outshot the Flyers 18-8, including nine on target to Lewis’ four
- This now marks two straight draws for the sides in their two previous meetings, a 2-2 result today and a 0-0 result in Romeoville last season
How It Happened
It was a first half that was dominated by the ‘Cats amassing eight total shots with three on-goal. Two of those shots were quality looks from inside the box that just barely went the Lewis way.
Tuen Van Gansewinkel had the best look of the evening coming just over 10 minutes in, as he sent a trickling shot towards the left post that the Lewis keeper was just able to stretch and make the save.
Following sustained pressure and possession from the ‘Cats, Ale Scialanga lined up for a free kick in the final two minutes of the half. His right-swinging ball landed at the feet of Luca Rub, who jumped and made a spinning back-heel kick that found its way on goal, but was sent right into the keepers arms.
All four goals were scored in the second half, starting with two from the Flyers at four and 11 minutes into the second frame, giving the ‘Cats a 0-2 deficit in under 15 minutes of game time.
But the ‘Cats stayed persistent and clawed back, starting with a phenomenal effort by Tomasso Lami to drive into the box and draw a penalty kick. Lami took his own shot from the spot, which the keeper stopped, but freshman William Uchenna was on the mark to clean up the rebound and cut into the Flyer lead with just under 35 minutes to play.
The ‘Cats then struck from a set piece with eight minutes remaining to tie the game. Alessandro Scialanga hit a right curling corner kick into the area that found the foot of Davian Gumbs, who made no mistake to tie the game at two in the dying minutes.
The ‘Cats had a chance to take the lead with about a minute left, as Van Gansewinkel had a chance from the right side and sent a ball by the keeper and just narrowly passed the left post, ending the game in a 2-2 draw.
Up Next
The Wildcats finish its weekend home stand with a bout against Thomas More on Saturday at noon.
