MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Playing their third game in four days, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team hosted the University of Wisconsin Superior (UWS). At the number one seed in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), the Yellowjackets were held scoreless by the Rams in the first but ultimately overtook NCU 6-0.

Game Vitals

• The first goal of the game came in the 45th minute.
• UWS generated ten corner kicks in the match but did not find the back of the net on any of them.

Game Recap

Having just played the Yellowjackets over the weekend, the Rams knew the strong opponent they were up against and could not have come out better on the first whistle. NCU played cohesively from top to bottom. The communication from the Rams was persistent and aided in their marking of the UWS' players and ability to play the ball quickly up the field. Isabella Connell (Champlin, MN, Champlin Park High School), Esther Johnson (Brooklyn Park, MN), and Sydney Cooper (Andover, MN, Andover High School) shut down the midfield for the Yellowjackets through their physicality and matching up. This was Connell's first full 90 minute game coming off of her injury in which she dominated in every aspect and hustled after each ball. Rachel Lampton (Lake Villa, IL, Lakes Community High School) was also key in keeping UWS from scoring by always being there to clean up and boot any ball out wide.

After half, the Yellowjackets came in very strong and determined as they netted three quick goals within the first ten minutes. Despite these goals, NCU goalkeeper, Arien Fritts (Ham Lake, MN, Fritts Homeschool Academy), had a heck of a game pulling out 20 saves, her third highest of the season for a single game. Fritts is currently leading the UMAC with 13.73 saves per game. 

The Rams were able to generate some decent changes on the attack including four shots from midfielder Hannah Grubbs (Mantua, OH, Newbury High School). NCU gave the Yellowjackets a good fight and rattled them in the first half, so much so that UWS had to switch their lineup. The first half showed the talent of the Rams and the second half showed the collective team atmosphere and competitive character of this women's soccer team.

Looking Ahead

The Rams get a day of rest and then get back into play this coming Wednesday at home against Martin Luther College (MLC) at 5:30 pm. NCU tied MLC 3-3 in double overtime earlier in the 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.