UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University men's soccer team opened the 2022 season at home last week with a pair of wins over nationally ranked opponents.

Sophomore Elliot Nottoli led the Cardinals to a comeback win over No. 16 University of Illinois-Springfield with three goals, including two in the final 10 minutes. For his efforts, Nottoli has been named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

The Denver, Colo., native got the scoring started for the Cardinals in the first half with his first goal of the season in the third minute. After SVSU made it 2-0, the Prairie Stars scored three unanswered goals and led until the 72^nd minute when the Cardinals tied it.

Nottoli scored the eventual game-winner in the 82^nd minute and added a brilliant bicycle kick goal in the 86^th to complete the hat trick.

The Cardinals look to keep rolling with two more games this week starting against Tiffin University at 2:30 pm on Friday in Midland, Mich.