The Michigan men’s soccer team hasn't given up hope just yet.

Looking at the Wolverines’ record (1-4 Big Ten, 5-12 overall), it's apparent they haven't had the season they had expected. But what the record doesn't show is how close those losses have been. Ten of those games were one-goal losses, and six games went into overtime.

“Our record is not reflective of how good we actually are,” said senior captain Adam Shaw. “Those one-score losses are a sign that we can compete with any team.”

The Wolverines have struggled since winning last year’s Big Ten Championship and qualifying for the NCAA College Cup in Santa Barbara, Calif. Four players traded in their maize and blue jerseys to go professional after last season, taking away over 95 percent of the team’s goal scoring.

With the lack of scoring this season, Michigan has looked to strengthen its counterattacking. This tactic proved effective two weeks ago in a 1-0 overtime victory against then-No. 4 Akron. Junior midfielder Latif Alashe’s game-winning goal was one of just seven tallies that Akron had allowed all season.

“Anytime you play a team that you think is better, you play more conservatively,” said Michigan coach Steve Burns. “We made it difficult for Akron because we would counterattack.”

Added Shaw: “We had to change the way we were possessing the ball. Counterattacks were necessary to beat them.”

Even after the thrilling win against Akron, Michigan's difficulties continued when it lost by one goal to San Diego and Michigan State. With one game left in the regular season, the Wolverines will look to prove themselves against Northwestern at home on Saturday.

“When I think about beating teams, I think about playing to the best of your ability both physically and mentally,” Shaw said. “Tactics do play a part, but attitude is more important.”

Putting the last two games behind them, the Wolverines look to use the confidence from the Akron game to help the Wolverines put an end to Northwestern’s eight-game winning streak. Northwestern is the only undefeated team left in the Big Ten.

Burns described the Wildcats' play as “statistical soccer” and said he would not be surprised if it was another 1-0 game.

“Northwestern is very good at counterattacking,” Burns said. “Fans who come and watch can expect it to be a very tactical game, and our counterattacks will need to be our main strength.”

The Wolverines, who are locked in at the sixth position in the conference, will also look to use this game as preparation for the Big Ten Tournament, which will be held Nov. 9-13 in Ann Arbor. Despite the disappointing season so far, Michigan still has a chance to reclaim last year’s title.

“In the Big Ten, there are no easy games, and it is really wide open right now,” said Burns. “I wouldn’t be surprised if No. 7-seeded Penn State ends up playing in the final.”

Added Shaw: “We are going to play the rest of the season with an attitude of no tomorrow. Everything is on the line now, and we are prepared to put our game plan in.”