Courtesy of Sara Pawlaczyk, Northwood Director of Marketing & Promotions
MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University No. 9 men's soccer team defeated No. 20 Saginaw Valley State 3-1 to advance to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday (November 14) at Dean Field.
The Timberwolves improve to 17-1-1, while the Cardinals finish the year 15-4-1.
Both teams weren't able to generate much offense in the opening of the first half. Each team registered three shots before Northwood connected on its fourth in the 28th minute. James DeCosemo(Stokesley, England) netted his 13th goal of the season, while Jack Smith (Milnthorpe, England) picked up his seventh assist on NU's sixth corner kick. The score would remain the same entering halftime. NU held the offensive advantage throughout out opening period with an edge in shots (7-5) and corner kicks (5-0).
After Saginaw Valley State netted the equalizer on a shot from within the six yard box at 62:33, Northwood responded just a minute later on a rebound in NU's attacking zone. Smith connected with a line drive from nearly 18 yards out at the top of the box for his third goal on the year to put the Timberwolves on top 2-1.
Shortly thereafter, NU found the back of the net again as Mayowa Olufeka (London, England / Welling) sent in a cross to Adam Thomas (High Wycombe, England / John Hampden) who beat the keeper on the ground. The Timberwolves took a 3-1 lead at 73:47 and would keep that lead for the win.
Both goalkeepers made spectacular saves, as SVSU's keeper registered six saves and Johannes Sterobo(Odense, Denmark / Tornbjerg) finished with a pair. Smith finished with a goal and an assist on just a single shot. For the match, NU out-shot SVSU (20-10) and tallied eight corner kicks.
The Timberwolves will advance to the Round of 16 next week to face Rockhurst. The match will be played in Kansas City, Mo. as Rockhurst is the No. 1 seed. Game time has yet to be determined.
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