UNIVERSITY CENTER — The Northern Michigan University men’s soccer team evened its league record by posting its third straight win and first shutout ever of Saginaw Valley State on Friday near Saginaw.

Sophomore goalkeeper Patrick Restum made three saves as the Wildcats blanked the Cardinals 3-0 to improve to 6-8 overall and 5-5 in the GLIAC. SVSU is just ahead of NMU in the league standings at 6-5 with an 8-5-1 overall mark.

Northern got all the offense it needed in the 31st minute when freshman Ryan Palmbaum scored his fifth goal in the last three matches and seventh this season. Following a corner kick, senior teammate Ben Hoffman found Palmbaum to set up the goal.

With a 1-0 halftime lead, the Wildcats put up insurance in the 66th minute when Hoffman scored his third this season and 10th of his career off a pass from freshman Francisco Espinoza, who earned his second assist in the last three games.

Finally, NMU junior Isaac Wigmero rounded out the scoring with his first career goal in the 77th minute as senior Sveinn Karlsson earned teh assists, his second of the season and ninth of his career.

Palmbaum led the offense with three shots, while Karlsson had two as Northern outshot SVSU 10-9.

NMU takes the short trip to Midland to play Northwood at 2 p.m. Sunday.