MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- With the first home fall sporting event of the year, North Central University (NCU) had quite a crowd show up for the women's soccer match against Crown College (CC). This non-conference game had perfect weather and lots of energy from both sides of the field. As the momentum went back and forth, the Storm ended up on top in a 3-1 win over the Rams.

Game Vitals

• NCU had 19 total shots and 11 on goal.
• The Rams had five corners to the Storm's two.

Game Recap

NCU started ready to go, constantly testing the Storm's backline. The Rams went on the attack early resulting in a goal nine minutes in by freshman Alexis Orlando (Rosemount, MN, Rosemount High School) assisted by Kara Lewis (Mandeville, LA, Northlake Christian School). Orlando was key in the center of the field, pushing the ball with poise. CC came back with a goal of their to tie the game about midway through the first half. A big aspect of this game was the physicality. Led by holding midfielders Rachel Lampton (Lake Villa, IL, Lakes Community High School) and Lewis, the Rams bodied their opponents to win tough balls or gain fouls. NCU won quite a few headers in the midfield off of punts and goal kicks, letting the Rams maintain possession in CC's half of the field.

Coming back onto the field tied after the half, both teams exhibited determination and grit through the heat. CC snuck a goal in 15 minutes after the halftime whistle and another around the 80 minute mark, making it 3-1. Despite the goal differential, the Rams still generated lots of offensive effort. NCU had five corners and 19 total shots, led by Orlando with 13 and six on goal and followed by Hannah Grubbs (Mantua, OH, Newbury High School) with 3 on goal. The star goalkeeper for the Rams, Arien Fritts (Ham Lake, MN, Fritts Homeschool Academy), had a great opener with 16 saves as she directed her team from the back. The team kept a good defensive shape through the 90 minutes and had lots of chances on the attacking end. Knowing what these Rams can do in their first game makes it extremely exciting to watch them the rest of their season. 

Looking Ahead

The Rams have a very quick turnaround with their next game slated for this coming Friday against Viterbo University. The non-conference match is home and set for 3:30 pm. All fans are encouraged to follow the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more information about NCU women's soccer, scheduling updates and other important information.