By Journal Sports Staff

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The Northern Michigan University men’s soccer team picked up its first victory of the season Sunday afternoon as it defeated Southern Indiana 2-0.

The Wildcats scored on their first shot of the game as senior Sam Popp sent a header into the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Popp’s header came on a cross from fellow senior Nic Harenda.

Less than three minutes into the second half, Popp struck again with a header.

Junior Edgar Astorga fired a cross into the box and Popp just beat a defender to the ball and smacked it into the back of the net.

With that tally, Popp became the second Wildcats to score multiple goals in a game.

Down by two goals at this point, the Screaming Eagles started to fire more shots on net and put more pressure on the NMU defense.

However, the Wildcats stood tall, especially senior Kevin Hoof, who kept USI off the scoreboard with a sliding save in the 83rd minute.

Northern goalkeeper Patrick Restum made the first start of the his career and made six saves in the shutout win.

The Wildcats don’t play again until next Sunday when they host Quincy at 1 pm.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.