MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Already back in action, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team played their third game of the week against the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) in a Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) matchup. Although the Rams held the Cougars scoreless in the second half, UMM's first half gave them the 3-0 win.

Game Vitals

• The Cougars were unable to score off of any of their seven corner kicks.
• 80% of the Rams shots were on goal.

Game Recap

With a slightly higher temperature than the previous day and the sun out, it was a perfect day to play on the Rams' home turf. NCU conceded two goals within the first 15 minutes and another in the 33rd minute, but still fought hard against the Cougars. UMM played with intense physicality in which the Rams were able to match well in the second half. After halftime, NCU really put things into gear as center back Sydney Cooper (Andover, MN, Andover High School) was put in the midfield to help distribute the ball out wide. Cooper, along with Esther Johnson (Brooklyn Park, MN), dominated the midfield with their strength and strategy. On the outsides, Kara Lewis (Mandeville, LA, Northlake Christian School) and Katrina Conrad (St. Paul, MN, St. Croix Lutheran Academy) drove the ball sideline and crossed in many great balls that were just shy on of the back on the net. Defensively, Lideeya Lwoy (Willmar, MN, Willmar Senior High School) has been phenomenal as of late and was again today as she battled every Cougar that came at her and won the ball nine times out of ten. The Rams played hard through the whole 90 minutes and kept UMM from scoring in the second half.

Looking Ahead

The Rams get a short two days of rest and are back at it at home this coming Tuesday at 3 pm facing Northland College for the first time this season. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the women's soccer team and much more information.