Minneapolis, MN -- The North Central University (NCU) men's soccer team kicked off their conference play today with a tough matchup versus the University of Wisconsin Superior (UWS) Yellowjackets. After starting the season 3-0, the Ram's looked to use their hot start as momentum, facing Superior who is the reigning Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) champions. The Yellowjackets would come to play in this one, firing 20 shots on goal, 17 total shots in either half, to hand the Rams their first loss on the season 5-1. 

The teams would trade a flurry of shot attempts early. NCU freshman Pasquali Smith (Fargo, ND) would have the Rams' first real scoring chance of the game, with a near miss that would hit off the top crossbar. Shortly after, the Yellowjackets would strike first with a goal in the 10th minute to take the 1-0 lead. It was not until the 39th minute of action that UWS would score their second goal of the game. Leading the offensive attack for North Central would be the Rams' dynamic scoring duo of Elliott Lebsack (Kearney, NE) and Alex Chacich (Hibbing, MN). Lebsack would have 5 total shots and 2 shots on goal in the first half. Chacich would post 4 total shots and 1 shot on goal. Unable to capitalize on anything, NCU would head into the halftime trailing 2-0. 

Seemingly unable to catch a break, the Rams would fire yet another shot off the goal post, this time ricocheting off the left post from the foot of Lebsack. Immediately after, the Yellowjackets would head on the attack and score their third goal of the game in the 46th minute. Desperately needing a sign of hope, senior captain Anthony Medina (Elk River, MN) would score his first goal of the season in the 49th minute, coming off an assist from Rams junior Joseph Majerle (Little Falls, MN). Responding quickly, UW-Superior found pay dirt once again with a goal in the 54th minute to get the lead back to three. Frustration would mount for the Blue and Gold, resulting in two yellow cards late. The Yellowjackets would score once more in the 76th minute to seal the deal on this one. Goalkeeper Jerad Buse (Kearney, NE) was heavily tested this afternoon, facing 34 total shots, 20 shots on goal, and saving 15 total shots. Superior would hand North Central their first loss of the season, 5-1. 

Today's box score can be found here.


Looking Ahead:

The men travel to Mankato this Saturday for a meeting with the Bethany Lutheran College Vikings. Game starts at 2:00pm!

All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on men's soccer and all things NCU Athletics.