MORRIS, Minn. – North Central women's soccer team lost 8-1 to the University of Minnesota-Morris on Saturday afternoon in Morris, Minnesota. The meeting between the two teams counted as Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) matchup in the only game played between the Rams and Cougars in 2016.
The Cougars got out to a lead quick scoring in the 2nd minute of play and did not trail for the rest of the game. Both Molly Hanuch and Carly Denler were involved in each of the scoring plays in the first half either for an assist or the score. The Cougars lead 5-0 when the Rams had an offensive opportunity in the box but was fouled hard by the Cougar defense awarding the Rams a penalty kick. Dakotah Sparrman (Apple Valley, Minn./Shattuck-St Mary's) who was fouled stepped up, took the PK, and slotted the ball home into the left corner. The Rams felt a gust of life and offensive opportunities arise following the successful PK conversion. The first half finished 5-1 in favor of the Cougars and Morris leading 15-2 in shots.
In the second half the Rams tried more offensive combinations but simply couldn't get past the Cougar defense. Meanwhile the deep Minnesota-Morris bench proved helpful for the Cougars being able to substitute their starters for talent coming off the bench. The Cougars scored three more times in the second half while Carly Denler and Tiffany Oren earned braces for the day and Moll Hanuch recorded a hat trick. The final whistle saw the Cougars take home an 8-1 win over the Rams.
North Central women's soccer has two games remaining in the 2016 regular both at home and against UMAC opponents. Tuesday Oct. 25 the Rams will play Bethany Lutheran at 3:15 p.m. and then Friday Oct. 28 against Wisconsin-Superior at 3:15 p.m. Live stats and video for those games can be found here.
