MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- In their first Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) matchup, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team faced the University of Northwestern (UNW) on their home turf. The Rams fought through the entire 90 minutes but ultimately fell to the Eagles 6-1.

Game Vitals

• NCU played down one player for almost the entire game.
• The Eagles were scoreless on their ten corner kicks.

Game Recap

The Rams went head to head with the Eagles from the first whistle. However, it was not quite the game NCU expected. Just two minutes into the game, Arien Fritts (Ham Lake, MN, Fritts Homeschool Academy), the Ram's goalkeeper, was given a red card and had to leave the game. Instead, Hannah Grubbs (Mantua, OH, Newbury High School), the surprise back-up keeper, stepped in the goal for NCU. Grubbs had 20 saves in her debut as keeper. Because of the switch and due to injuries, the Rams had to play down a player for the remainder of the game, 87 minutes. However, this did not quench NCU's fire. The whole NCU team rallied behind this adversity and battled hard against the Eagles. Rising freshman star, Alexis Orlando (Rosemount, MN, Rosemount High School), netted a goal for the Rams in the 55th minute off of a free kick. Orlando now has four goals this season, almost averaging a goal a game. NCU Athletics has coined the word 'grit' as one of their characteristics and it is a staple of the women's soccer team. The lady Rams gave 100% and more in this game and showed everyone watching what it means to be a part of the women's soccer program.

Looking Ahead

The Rams look to regroup this week as they have a bit to rest before their next game this coming Friday. The matchup is against UMAC opponent, the University of Minnesota Morris, and will be held at 4:30 pm. 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 important information.