MINNEAPOLIS -- North Central University (NCU) welcomed the V-Hawks of Viterbo University to Elliot Park Field for their final non-conference match of the season. The Rams battled with the V-Hawks for much of the contest but a few small miscues close to the goal proved to be the story of the game. NCU found a late score in the waning minutes of the second half but it was not enough to mount a comeback as Viterbo came away with the 4-1 victory.
Game Vitals
- The V-Hawks recorded 19 total shots on the afternoon
- The Rams lost starting goalkeeper, Samuel Bang, in the 14th minute of the contest due to injury
- Henry Puchuela moved into a tie for 5th in the conference in goals scored
Game Recap
The contest began as a back and fourth defensive grudge match with neither team being able to find separation on the offensive side of the pitch. The V-Hawks had an opportunity to add points on the board in the 14th minute with a corner kick that sailed to the center of the goal, but
Samuel Bang, was able to halt the attempt. When the dust settled, Bang was unable to continue after the collision that saved a V-Hawk goal. After the goalie substitution, the momentum seemed to be hanging in the balance and up for grabs. It was Viterbo who was first to the scoring party as they found the back of the net on a slow roller to take the 1-0 lead in the 35th minute. The Rams held the Hawks scoreless for the final minutes of the second half as they headed to the break trailing by the lone goal. Viterbo shot out of the gates in the second half picking up where they left off adding three more goals in the early portion of the final 45 minutes. Searching for an answer the Rams turned to senior forward, Puchuela who landed a beautiful free kick bender in the back of the net. Unfortunately for the Rams the late game effort was just not enough to eve the score with the Hawks as they fell at home by a score of 4-1.
Key Performers
Next Up
NCU will enjoy a long weekend of rest as they prepare to jump back into the final stretch of Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) action. First up for the Rams is a road trip to the University of Wisconsin-Superior next Wednesday to battle the Yellowjackets at 1:00 p.m.
Media: For further information, contact
Mike Knipe at 612-343-3541 or email mjknipe@northcentral.edu.
