Kristal had ten saves for NMU
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The NMU men’s soccer team settled for a 1-1 draw against the Davenport Panthers.
The Wildcats (4-2-4, 3-2-1 GLIAC) got a goal from Luca Rosen in the 68th minute after he drew a red card from just outside the box and converted on his free kick. The ‘Cats only held the lead for two minutes, as goalkeeper Beau Hudd sent a free kick into the box that bounced around before finding the head of Ryan Sheffer.
NMU had 20 minutes to find the back of the net with a man up, firing 10 shots in the final 15 minutes and generating a handful of quality chances, but the Panthers were able to escape unscathed. Despite being up a man, the ‘Cats also had to deal with 30 MPH wind gusts into their face for the entire second half.
“We got the goal, we were up a man, and at that point I thought ‘let’s see this out’. [Their goal] came off a silly foul, and we knew all game that the wind was blowing in our face to end the game, and we wanted to limit free kicks. When you give a team service after service after service, things are bound to happen.”
Rosen potted another goal today, extending his goal streak to three games with five in his past six. Rosen also added ten shots today, breaking his previous season high of nine.
“He’s finding his groove [at the right time] and finishing on his chances, we just have to keep him going.”
Goalkeeper Asaf Kristal had another outstanding day, making ten saves, and posting back-to-back outings with double-digit saves.
The Panthers (1-5-4, 0-3-3 GLIAC) extend its unbeaten streak to three games, with these two teams meeting each other on Friday next weekend to start a string of three road games for the ‘Cats.
“We got into a typical tough, physical GLIAC game. That team hasn’t lost in three games; they may be at the bottom of the table, but they’re in it and fighting. Now we have to turn around and play them on the road on Friday. It’ll be a tough challenge for us, but our guys will be up for it.”
How It Happened
The Wildcats were on the front foot, and Rosen had the game’s first prime look at goal. After drawing a foul from just outside of the box, the forward stepped over the free kick that was maybe five yards outside of the penalty area. His right-footed strike curled just wide of the right side post, and the Panthers escaped unscathed.
The Panthers found life at the end of the half and were awarded a free kick from a similar spot as Rosen’s attempt. Charlie Davis’ shot was well hit, but it was blocked by the Wildcat defensive wall.
The ‘Cats had a counterattack 20 minutes into the second half, and Damian Gumbs’ pass went untouched through the box before going out the other side, and one of the game’s most dangerous chances went awry.
The ‘Cats opened the scoring in the 68th minute, as a blocked pass by Andrea Mercanti led him and Rosen on a two-on-one opportunity. Mercanti played a pass to Rosen, who was clear on with the goalie before being brought down from behind and forcing a free kick from two yards outside of the box. Rosen stepped up and confidently struck the set piece, curling a shot to the bottom right that beat the outstretched hand of the keeper.
The Panthers equalized a man down off a set piece of its own. Hudd sent a free kick from just inside the Wildcat half that found its way on target. The rebound popped right to Ryan Sheffer, who got a header on target and into the upper left corner.
NMU had numerous chances to retake the lead in the final 20 minutes, but were unable to connect and find the back of the net.
