Northern Michigan Soccer Moves Into First Place
The team defeated Davenport University 3-2 to take the lead in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Soccer
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Northern Michigan University moved into first place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference after a 3-2 victory over Davenport University on Friday. The win gives Northern Michigan 23 points in the standings, moving them ahead of Saginaw Valley State University.
Why it matters
The result leaves Northern Michigan University in control of their own path to a regular season conference title. Their position was bolstered after Saginaw Valley State University tied their match against Davenport earlier in the week.
Northern Michigan University held a 23-14 advantage in total shots and a 12-4 lead in shots on goal during the match. Goalkeeper Asaf Kristal recorded two saves to help secure the 3-2 win.
The players
Northern Michigan University
This is a public university located in Marquette, Michigan, whose men's soccer team competes in the GLIAC.
Davenport University
This is a private university in Michigan that competes in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Saginaw Valley State University
This is a public university that serves as a primary competitor for the regular season conference title.
Julius Lemm
He is a player for Northern Michigan University who scored the game-winning goal against Davenport.
Asaf Kristal
He is the goalkeeper for Northern Michigan University who recorded two saves during the match.
The details
Julius Lemm scored the deciding goal for Northern Michigan after receiving a pass from Ian Weimer. Northern Michigan successfully overcame two separate one-goal deficits to defeat Davenport University.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Saginaw Valley State tied Davenport 2-2.
Friday, October 23, 2026: Northern Michigan defeated Davenport 3-2.
Sunday, October 25, 2026: Northern Michigan plays Saginaw Valley State.
Season Trajectory
The victory sets up a pivotal regular season finale against Saginaw Valley State University on Sunday. A tie in that match would award Northern Michigan the regular season conference title and the No. 1 seed in the GLIAC tournament.
Northern Michigan now holds 23 conference points, placing them one point ahead of Saginaw Valley State heading into the final game of the schedule. The team needs only a draw on Sunday to lock up the top seed for the postseason tournament.
The takeaway
The team successfully overcame deficits twice in this match to seize control of their playoff destiny. Fans should look to the upcoming Sunday finale as the decisive moment for the conference title.
What happens next
Northern Michigan University will face Saginaw Valley State University in a regular season finale on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the latest local athletic results, visit our Soccer section.
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