MARQUETTE, Mich. -  The Northern Michigan men's soccer team made Senior Night extra special by taking a huge three points in a 2-0 win against the Panthers of Davenport. 

The Wildcats started the game with hunger and intensity, and the team was able to find the back of the net twice in the first half. Senior captain Tommaso Lami was the man to keep the 'Cats on top, as he scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of the match to help the 'Cats cruise to the 2-0 victory. 

Head Coach Alex Fatovic credited the team's hard-working effort for today's win in his post-match press conference.

"Today we were able to get the early goal, which is what we've been searching for, and that allowed us to play all of our cards and I think the guys were fantastic all day long."

Senior transfer Kyle Cameron reviewed the match and reflected on the season as he made his second straight start and 40+ minute performance. 

"It's been really special for me being a part of this team. The environment is unlike any other place and I never thought it [the team] would be this tight-knit, and I really love them."

With Senior Night ending in a success, Logan Lazar also reflected on his memorable last home game, an experience he noted was like none other.

"Honestly, it's a surreal feeling. Four years ago I wasn't really thinking about this point, and it doesn't really hit you until you're finally playing your last game. Just looking over and seeing everyone's family and the kids that I coached at Marquette United supporting us today was really special."

A fitting end to his playing career as a Wildcat, Lami led the Wildcats and earned himself four points from scoring two goals in the game. Tommaso took a minute and looked back on his earlier years at Northern after the match. 

"I came here two years ago as the youngest player, and now I am like the granddad. I am so proud of them and I can't wait to see them on their Senior Day."

The Wildcats now improve to 5-6-2 overall and 2-6-1 in conference play ahead of a crucial three-game road trip to end the regular season.

How It Happened
With an intense start right off the bat, the Wildcats came in full force. 

Already in the 3rd minute of the first half, Alessandro Scialanga threw the ball into Tommaso Lami's feet, where he swiftly moved past a defender, dribbled it to the top of the 18 yard box, and shot a rocket into the left corner of the goal. 

But Lami wasn't finished. Just 10 minutes later, Xhoel Lutaj and Lami creatively played a one-two at the top of the 18 yard-box and Lami ripped a shot into the right corner of the net for his second goal of the evening. 

As the game continued, the battles between players intensified, resulting in 17 combined fouls recorded in the first 45 minutes.

A great first half allowed the Wildcats to end the first half with a 2-point lead.  

Starting the second half just as strong as the first, the Wildcats offense continued to rack up opportunities. However, the Panthers' offense started to create some dangerous opportunities as well. 

In the 72nd minute, Panther Andrew Dykstra met Wildcat goalie Nils Cedergren for a one-on-one. As Cedergren continued to impress, he made a sliding save, not allowing Davenport to find the back of the net. 

Continuing with Northern's impressive defense, Cedergren was found high up the field and out of his box. Nonetheless, this was not an issue for the 'Cats, as Finn van den Berg was able to cover the net and head a shot out of the danger zone. 

Cat Nips

• This marks Lami's first multi-goal game of the season and the third of his career
• Cedergren recorded his fourth shutout of the season, making a career-high eight saves
• The Wildcats took 14 shots in total versus Davenport's 19
• The 'Cats held an advantage in corner kicks, having taken four compared to the Panthers who took none
• An aggressive battle ended with Northern being penalized 17 times versus Davenport who was penalized 16 times
• Though Davenport outshot the 'Cats 19 to 14, Northern had more shots on target, recording nine versus the Panthers' eight 

Up Next
The Wildcats head south to face Roosevelt University for the second time on October 27 at 1 p.m.