The Wildcats home opener wasn’t what NMU was looking for when they kicked off against Northwood University ending in a 2-4 loss, but the following game was a much-needed turnaround for the young team.
“I think the week as a whole is going to end up being really beneficial for us long term. We learned a lot. Obviously, Thursday was a massive disappointment for them,” Head Coach Alex Fatovic said. “Huge mistakes, three big errors that ultimately led to the loss.”
Fatovic was pleased with the way the team was able to bounce back and execute against Quincy in the 1-0 win over the Hawks. Sophomore Tommaso Lami scored the lone goal for the ‘Cats with goalie Florian Palmowski adding four saves in the shutout win at home.
“We just got to keep training it and pushing it but there’s no better teacher than the game. So, the more games we play, the better we’re going to get in those situations,” Fatovic said. “We absolutely have to step up our game.”
The first stop on their way to Kentucky was a stop in Illinois to face off against the Lewis Flyers on the road and the teams seemed to get a little heated near the end of the 0-0 draw with seven yellow cards being handed out between the two teams in the final 35 minutes of the match. Palmowski came up huge for the second game in a row, adding five more saves to his season total and showing just how much talent the Wildcats have this year.
“It’s about playing our way and understanding that we have to come with fight and grit and willingness to work hard defensively from the first minute. If we do that, the good stuff will sort itself out because they’re good enough players. They just have to bring it,” Fatovic said. “We’re preparing the best we can and we’re going to make sure they’re fit and healthy and ready to go for kickoff.”
NMU will finish off the long road trip with a match against Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, KY for the first time in program history on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. The Saints are part of the GMAC and will pose a challenge for Fatovic and the team after the draw with Lewis.
