MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University men's soccer team played a tough match in treacherous conditions against GLIAC newcomer Roosevelt University for the two sides' first-ever meeting, resulting in a 1-0 loss for the 'Cats.

With winds gusting upwards of 30 mph, temperatures in the low 50s, and rain moving in towards the later part of the second half, both teams battled through adversity the full 90 minutes.

The Lakers took the lead in the first half after a goal was scored by Haris Sarajlila. A ball was crossed into the box that Nils Cedergren handled, but Sarajlila put his body on the ball that was in the hands of Cedergren, causing a fumble and finding the loose change to give the Lakers the lead.

Finn van den Berg received a straight red card in the 50th minute, putting the 'Cats down a player for the final 40 minutes. 

Despite their odds, the 'Cats pursued and were awarded a penalty kick in the 58th minute. Alessandro Scialanga took a convincing PK, but Scialanga's shot was saved by Roosevelt's goalkeeper, Eric Carvajal. 

More opportunities were given to Northern as the game went on, but they were unable to find the back of the net. 

The Wildcats now move to 4-4-1 overall, with a conference record of 1-4. 

How It Happened
With a windy first half, the battle began, as the 'Cats won a corner in the first five minutes. Tommaso Lami took the cross, whipping it into the 18-yard box, but the Wildcats couldn't put a body on it. 

With a lot of back-and-forth play, the best opportunity in the first half came from Alessandro Scialanga. Scialanga dribbled it to the top of the 18-yard box and fired a shot, but it was placed just a few inches over the top of the net.

In the 29th minute, Roosevelt played a ball into the box. Cedergren came out to make the save, but the ball fumbled in Cedergren's hands, and Laker, Haris Sarajlila, was able to get a body on the ball. Sarajlila placed the ball into the back of the net and put the Lakers on top. 

The first half ended with 11 shots in total and three on target for the Wildcats, as the Lakers had three shots in total, with one on target. The 'Cats had the advantage in corners with three in the first half, and the Lakers with zero. 

The battle continued into the second half. 

In the 50th minute, Finn van den Berg received a red card from a one-on-one battle towards the Wildcat's goal. The Lakers were given a free kick from just outside the box, but Cedergren denied the attempt for a second goal.

Just a few minutes later, the Wildcats were awarded a penalty kick after a foul was committed by the Lakers' goalkeeper, Eric Carvajal, on Northern's player, Quint Van Roij. Scialanga took the penalty and placed it into the bottom right corner, but was saved by Carvajal. 

The Wildcats had chances down the stretch to find the goal but ultimately came up short, and the Lakers went on to win 1-0.

Cat Nips

• The Wildcats outshot the Lakers 18-15, with five on target for the 'Cats to three for the Lakers
• Northern held an advantage in corner kicks with five opposite the Lakers' two
• The Lakers were whistled for 22 fouls compared to the 'Cats 18
• Scialanga led the Wildcats in shots with five in total and two on-goal
• Van Roij, Lami, and Scialanga played the full 90 minutes of the game
• Cedergren recorded four saves on the evening
• Van den Berg's red card holds him ineligible for Northern's next game
• Lami was shown his fourth yellow card of the year. If shown another, Lami will serve a one-game suspension

Up Next
Northern Michigan will head to Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the Wildcats will face Davenport on Friday, October 11 at 5 p.m.