The Northern Michigan University Men’s Soccer team notched a 5-0 exhibition win over the University of Wisconsin-Superior Yellow Jackets in rainy conditions last weekend.

Selfless ball movement fueled the Wildcat’s win with five different players scoring, including redshirt-sophomore striker Ben Hoffman.
Despite recording the win, head coach David Poggi said the team is determined and eager to improve from last season.

“We had a great preseason,” Poggi said. “They came in with a real hunger to not only get better, but to whenever they play at home, go out and give all we got.”

Predicted to finish fifth in the conference standings this year, the Wildcats are entering this season with high expectations after earning their first ever playoff win against Tiffin University last fall. NMU will enter the fall season with its first roster with senior players in team history, including defenceman Kevin Hoof, forwards Sam Popp and Nic Harenda, and midfielder Carson Burmeister.

“It’s going to be a special year for them,” Poggi said. “They will be sorely missed (after the season), but we’re going to make sure we’ll get everything out of them this fall and see what takes us.”

The team also has a new starting goalkeeper in net with junior Brayden Wilinski, while freshmen Cole Sing and Patrick Restum will share backup duties. Wilinski takes over for junior Fillipo Torelli who’s recovering from a season-ending injury in his home country of Italy.

The Wildcats kick off the regular season at home Thursday Aug. 30 against the Mercyhurst University Lakers and are on the road at the Southern Indiana University Screaming Eagles Sunday Sept. 2 in Evansville, Indiana.

“They’re both unknown to us. In college soccer, I’m not sure what we’re gonna get with both of these teams,” Poggi said. “Doesn’t matter what we’re gonna get, we’re gonna have our hands full.”