MARQUETTE, Mich. — The Northern Michigan University men's soccer program is set to kick off their 2021 season on the road this Thursday with a matinee game beginning at 3:30 p.m against Judson University (Ill.).
They then return home for a contest with Quincy at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5. Attendance to the game is free for all fans.
WEEKLY NOTES
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FOLLOW ALONG |
Fans can follow the action using live stats and video.
Follow @NMU_Wildcats on Twitter for continued coverage throughout the week.
Thursday VS. Judson
Live Stats: https://nmuwildcats.com/links/ggkreg
Video: https://nmuwildcats.com/links/kzljgt
Saturday VS. Quincy
Live Stats: https://nmuwildcats.com/sports/msoc/2021-22/boxscores/20210905_nbc4.xml
Video: https://nmuwildcats.com/links/0j1o2m
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PRESEASON POLL
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After reaching the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) quarterfinals last spring, the Wildcats were pegged to finish fifth overall in the GLIAC preseason poll.
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KEY RETURNERS
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The Wildcats return the majority of their squad from 2020-21, including four who received All-GLIAC recognition. Senior Kaffie Kurz was named to the All-Conference First Team last season, the first such honor of his career, while also being named 2021 Humanitarian of the Year by NMU for his leadership and charitable endeavors both on and off the pitch.
Second-Team honorees Ryan Palmbaum and Niko Scheibal also return to the team this season. Palmbaum led the team in assists (4), shots on goal (15) and goals (3; tied) while Scheibal returns after leading a strong defensive corp in the spring.
In goal, Alex Weaver will also appear again this season. The junior played every minute in net for the Wildcats last season, boasting a 75.5 save percentage.
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LAST TIME OUT
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The Wildcats will look to avenge their last outing when they return to the pitch to start the 2021 season. Their last appearance came in the GLIAC Quarterfinals where a 1-1 draw with Davenport led to penalty kicks, with the Panthers advancing and ending the Wildcats' campaign in the shootout.
Rising sophomore Shawn Clarke scored his first collegiate goal in the contest, evening the score at 1-1 in the 42nd minute.
After a two-goal first, both teams were shut out in the second half to force two overtime sessions before the penalty kick shootout.
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NMU VS JUDSON
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Thursday's meeting will be the first-ever between the two teams.
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NMU VS QUINCY
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The two teams have split their all-time series, with both teams taking their home game. In their first meeting in 2018, the Wildcats defeated the Hawks, 3-2.
