Scialanga makes First Team, Lasi Second Team
GLIAC – The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced the men’s soccer postseason awards for 2024, with three Wildcats earning spots on All-GLIAC teams.
“I want to first congratulate Tommy, Ale and Quint on their post season awards,” adds head coach Alex Fatovic. “They and many others on our squad are fully deserving and more, however, they clearly displayed their dedication and passion for their team and the game every single day, which will always separate good players from great.
I would also like to congratulate our whole first-year class as well. An amazing group of players that has the opportunity now to do something really special at NMU. Let’s see what they do next! Go Cats!”
All-GLIAC First Team – Alessandro Scialanga
After missing most of last season due to injury, Ale was consistently one of the Wildcats’ best players day in and day out all throughout the season. Scialanga started in every conference game for the Wildcats, leading the team in minutes played with 1080 and third on the team in points (1-1–3) with 25 shots as a defenseman. Similar to conference play, Ale started in every match for the Wildcats this season and led the team in minutes played with 1438 while leading the team in assists (3) and points (9), and second in both goals (3) and shots (35).
“I believe he’s the best left back in the country so there is no real surprise here. The scary part is I know he still has more levels to give in his performance. Ale is a top player and top person, I can’t wait to see what he does next year. Bravo, Ale!”
All-GLIAC Second Team – Tommaso Lami
Another Wildcat who suffered an injury last season, the 2022 GLIAC Freshman of the Year earned another All-GLIAC honor, this time coming on the second team. A starter in all 12 conference matches, Tommaso led the Wildcats in goals (3), points (6), shots (34), shots on target (17), and game-winning goals (1), while finishing second in minutes played with 1080. The captain finished the regular season as a starter in all 16 matches, and leading the Wildcats in goals (4) and points (9) and was second in minutes played (1353) across all matches.
“We all know he’s truly a First Team All-GLIAC player, but to come back after a year off from injury and to earn a place on the all GLIAC second team speaks to the hard work, grit and passion Tommy has. Tommaso has been a great captain and inspiration for our young players. Looking forward to what he does next!”
All-GLIAC Honorable Mention – Quint Van Roij
Freshman Quint Van Roij made an immediate impact for the Wildcats in his first season, starting in all 11 matches he appeared in and recording the third most minutes of any Wildcat during conference play with 970. Quint started in all 15 regular season matches he appeared in and was third on the team in minutes played with 1326.
“Quint was a mainstay in our central midfield in his freshman year. Quint started 15 straight games and gives everything on and off the pitch. A natural leader, we can’t wait to help develop Quint into the top player he can be. Well done, Quint!”
