By: Taylor Foster
Athletics Communications Intern
MARQUETTE, Mich. — The Northern Michigan University men's soccer program (0-1-1) will be continuing its non-conference schedule against the Lewis Flyers (Ill.).
The contest will be held at 3:30 p.m. on the road Thursday.
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. Lewis
Live Stats: https://nmuwildcats.com/links/g6ago3
Video: https://nmuwildcats.com/links/xqgorx
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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.
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LAST TIME OUT
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The Wildcats took on Quincy last week to continue their non-conference schedule as they looked to gain their first win.
A strong defensive effort was shown by both teams in the scoreless first half. A penalty kick by the Quincy Hawks in the second half left the Wildcats trailing, despite their 7 shots in the second half.
Upperclassmen Ryan Palmbaum, and Kaffie Kurz led the Wildcats in shots on goal with two shots each. Goalkeeper, Jonas Vorbau, totaled 7 saves total for the match.
After the 90 minute match, the Wildcats fell to the Hawks 0-1.
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WILDCAT TALK
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"The fact that we played Quincy tight and close should give us confidence going forward," said head coach David Poggi. "We have young guys and at this stage of the season it was a good result."
"I was impressed with the final 20 minutes of the match," added Poggi. "The team really dug in and did not give up."
"Lewis is usually top five in the GLVC and the area is a hotbed for recruiting. They do a good job there," added the head coach. "I know the coach down there and we are looking forward to keeping the relationship between the two schools alive."
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NMU VS LEWIS
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Thursday's meeting will be the second meeting between the Wildcats and the Flyers. NMU and Lewis played one match prior, in 2019, giving the Flyers a 1-0 advantage.
