Purdue Northwest men’s soccer upsets No. 2 Northern Michigan

The basics

• Records: Purdue Northwest (11-5-2, 6-5-1 GLIAC), Northern Michigan (10-6-2, 7-3-2 GLIAC)
• Location: Robert Braddock Field – University Center, Mich.
• Attendance: 147
• Result: Purdue Northwest 1, Northern Michigan 0

Inside the numbers

• Sophomore Landon Potts scored the game's only goal in the 44th minute, finding the back of the net at 43:25.
• Potts led the Lions offensively with six shots, including four on goal.
• Purdue Northwest outshot Northern Michigan 18-9 and held a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal.
• Junior Ricardo Cruz and junior Giovanni Melgoza each recorded three shots.
• Freshman goalkeeper Estefano Alvear played all 90 minutes, recording two saves and earning the shutout.
• The Lions finished with four corner kicks compared to three for Northern Michigan.

The breakdown

• Purdue Northwest controlled much of the opening half, creating several scoring opportunities while keeping the Wildcats' attack in check.
• The Lions broke through just before halftime when Potts found the back of the net at 43:25, giving Purdue Northwest a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
• PNW continued to generate chances in the second half, with Juan Martin Jersonsky (Vicente Lopez, Buenos Aires, Argentina/Instituto Propuesta Actual) recording multiple attempts as the Lions looked to extend their lead.
• Northern Michigan attempted to rally late, but Alvear and the Lions' defensive unit stood strong. Alvear came up with a key save in the 72nd minute to help preserve the advantage.
• The Lions battled through the final minutes, keeping the Wildcats off the scoreboard and securing the 1-0 victory.
• With the win, Purdue Northwest pulled off a major postseason upset over the tournament's No. 2 seed and secured its place in the GLIAC Men's Soccer Championship.

Purdue Northwest advances to the GLIAC Men's Soccer Championship, which will take place Sunday, November 8, as they take on Roosevelt University.