GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Splitting their first two matches to open the year, the Davenport University men's soccer team resumes non-league play on the road this week.

DU dropped a 2-1 decision to Cedarville in the first-ever meeting between the programs following a late goal by the Jackets. First-year transfer Valerii Burlacenco tallied his first goal (assist Kirby Eggers) as a Panther for the team's first of 2024.

The Panthers closed the weekend at Thomas More in another first-time matchup with continued relentlessness from Cam Power - the junior midfielder assisting on Drew Matyunas' goal early in the first half to level the match, 1-1. Fifteen minutes into the second half, a strike from Easton Lopez on the edge of the box ultimately gave DU the victory as the true freshman tallied his first career goal and game-winner. Beau Hudd made three saves on 14 shots faced while playing all 180 minutes between the matches.

DU prepares to add to its win column with a neutral site contest against Northwood University and a weekend capper against a top national opponent in Tiffin University, both contests played at Paradiso Athletic Fields in Ohio.

Northwood Matchup (Neutral Site)
The all-time series improved to 8-4-1 after DU won a 2-1 decision over the Timberwolves last year. Thursday will be the first neutral site contest between the programs.

Selected to finish No. 8 in the G-MAC Preseason Poll, Northwood dropped the season and home opener, 1-0, to Northern Michigan. Nick Borkowski started in his third career match, playing all 90 minutes and making three saves for a .750 save percentage. The Wolves lost a handful of offensive weapons from the previous season but retained midfield senior Adrian Lekocaj - the third-leading scorer in 2023 (three goals, one assist).

Head Coach Stevie Shard is in his seventh season for Northwood as the team looks to mark its third winning season under his leadership after the team missed the conference tournament last year.

#11 Tiffin University Matchup
Pegged in the top 15 of the NCAA Division II national rankings, the Dragons were tested against NCAA Division II juggernauts and came up with promising results. The Dragons are 1-0-1 after a draw against No. 9 Charleston and a 2-1 win over No. 12 Maryville in their home opening weekend.

Caleb Gibbons and Amara Kamara were the goal scorers for Tiffin in the victory over the Saints, as Felix Graf has played all 180 minutes as keeper to open 2024. Following the win, the Dragons moved up to No. 2 in the NCAA Midwest Region (previously No. 3).

DU aims to snap a two-match losing streak against Tiffin as the all-time series sits at 3-1 in favor of the Dragons. Two wins were at DU with the third being a neutral site victory as the opponent searches for its first victory as the host of the Panthers.

Live Coverage
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. Northwood (4:30 PM) - Live Video (Great Midwest Network) - Live Stats
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Tiffin (Noon) - Live Video (Great Midwest Network) - Live Stats