MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-- North Central converted a late penalty kick to earn a 2-1 victory over Crown College at home on Wednesday evening. For the second straight game Dakotah Sparrman tallied both goals and North Central got their third win overall and first in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference action.
During the early stages of the match the Rams were able to create several chances before some good ball movement created a free kick about 30 yards out and toward the left touch line. Junior Dakotah Sparrman (Apple Valley, Minn./Shattuck-St. Mary) calmly stood over the ball and then lofted it just under the cross bar to give NCU a 1-0 advantage just less than 16 minutes into the match.
Crown overcame the Rams early momentum and play was even before the Storm were able collect a loose ball directly in front of the net and Monika Russell drove it home in the 40th minute. The teams would head to the break even at 1-1. Shots were also even at seven each.
In the second half North Central began to slowly assert control over play, creating multiple runs into goal scoring areas. Crown's goal keeper Marissa Becerra made several great saves to preserve the equilibrium but the Rams attack proved relentless.
In the 84th minute, a long pass down the wing found Dakotah Sparrman who took the ball from right to left into the 18 yard box along the end line and drew a foul a step inside the area. She then converted the penalty shot that would eventually stand as the game winner.
North Central ended up outshooting Crown 19-12, including 12-5 in the second half. Freshman Heather Campbell (Brainerd, Minn./Brainerd) earned her third career victory in net, making six saves in the win.
Dakotah Sparrman is now tied for second in NCU history for goals (11) in a single season after just 8 games. She has also converted penalty kicks in back to back games.
North Central wil be back in action this weekend when they travel to The College of St. Scholastica (Duluth, Minn.) on Saturday. The Rams and Saints are set for a 4:15 p.m. kickoff.
