The Saad brothers have carried the scoring load for the Michigan men's soccer team for much of the season, but after the Wolverines' 4-2 win over Valparaiso Wednesday night, it might be time to adopt a new member into their goal-happy family.

Redshirt senior Matt Schmitt tallied his first goal of the season just a week ago against Cincinnati. But after getting a taste of success against the Bearcats, he was hungry for more. Schmitt went on to score the game-winning goal in Sunday’s Big Ten matchup against Wisconsin.

Then, the Muskegon, Michigan native hammered in two goals and added an assist in the Wolverines’ midweek contest against Valparaiso. After a scoreless first half, Schmitt got the ball rolling by playing a dangerous ball into the box, which deflected off a Crusader defender and into the net, creating a three-game consecutive scoring streak for the backup forward.

During Schmitt’s first two years of eligibility, he saw action in 40 games and had 33 starts. But as younger recruits joined the team, Schmitt was relegated to the back burner. Still, he is a modest player who has grown to embrace his position on the team.

Unlike some competitors who strive for the limelight, Schmitt, who went on to score again against Valparaiso, said he won’t be looking for additional playing time after his outstanding performance, unless of course the team needs him.

“I think that I’ve proven, not just this year but in years past, that when I come in, I can change the game,” Schmitt said. “So it’s whenever the coaches need me to play and help the team, I’m there.”

But the Wolverines (2-1-0 Big Ten, 8-2-3 overall) have proven that they do need him. In last week’s contest against the Bearcats, both the Saad brothers were on the bench and Schmitt stepped up. And later, it was Schmitt’s goal that proved to be the deciding factor against the Badgers. Schmitt may have had a slow start to the season, but he has found his rhythm.

“It’s a great story,” Michigan coach Steve Burns said. “He’s a fifth-year senior that’s taking a part-time load because he wanted to finish his Michigan career as strong as possible, with as strong of team and as strong of personal performance. He comes off the bench and adds that immediate impact to our team. He really raised the level of this game here.”

Although Schmitt remained modest about his five-point game, he was not afraid to boast on one account. When asked if he was going to continue his scoring streak against Indiana this up-coming weekend, he had one word.

“Absolutely.”