MARQUETTE, Mich. - The 2021 season has featured all seven matches decided by one goal and after being on the wrong side of that during the season's first three matches, it has been four straight nail-biter wins now for the Davenport men's soccer team. It comes also at a great time as the Panthers improved to 4-0 in the GLIAC with a 1-0 victory at Northern Michigan on Sunday.

The match was incredibly tight as the Panthers were looking to sweep the road weekend series after winning 3-2 in overtime on Friday at No. 14 Parkside. The Panthers were controlling the possession of the contest but could not break through until the 74th minute. Justice Sikkema notched his fifth goal of the season on a diving header at knee level into the bottom left corner. Evan Marquess fired a cross into the box about eight yards out and Sikkema had the pretty finish to tie for second in the GLIAC in goals scored.

The match took an interesting turn with just over five minutes to play. Davenport was going to take a free kick just outside the 18-yard box and the Wildcat line of players were not the typical 10 yards away from the free kick spot. A trio of Panthers were given a yellow card for stalling and a second yellow card meant that DU was going to play a man down. DU held on as NMU had a shot off the crossbar just a minute later and Shane Marinkovich made his only save on a shot in the 87th minute.

Davenport finished with 12 shots including four shots on goal. Matt Whelan led the team with four shots total with one on goal.

"The boys found a way to beat a good and well-coached Northern Michigan team today," said head coach Chris Hughes. "I'm proud of our backline and keeper for the shutout because Marquette is never an easy place to play. We have much to learn yet but will grow from today's experience. We will keep building and prepare for Northwood on Friday."