Morris, MN -- North Central University (NCU) men's soccer made the trip to Morris to take on the Cougars of Minnesota Morris (UMM) in search of their first UMAC win. The talented freshman class of North Central would play a key role this afternoon. The Rams were able to shut out the Cougars 2-0 taking home the win. 

In the first half, NCU couldn't break through the Cougars' defense as they only had a total of 3 shots in the first 45 minutes. Minnesota Morris was able to get off a total of 6 shots in the first half with 3 of them being on goal. The Rams' defense was able to hold strong as they did not allow any of those shots to find the back of the net. Goalkeeper Jerad Buse (Kearney, NE) was able to pick up two saves while his teammates picked up the third. As the clock hit 45 minutes, neither team had scored sending the Rams and Cougars to the second half tied at zero all.

The second half was all North Central as they outshot the Cougars 16-7. In the 53rd minute, the Rams would score the first goal of the game off the foot of freshman Rodrigo Burgos (South Saint Paul, MN) (4th goal of the season) giving NCU the 1-0 lead. In the 70th minute, North Central would score yet another goal as freshman Pasquali Smith (Fargo, ND) connected with fellow freshman Alvin Wlejleh (Heath Springs, SC) putting the Rams up 2-0 over the Cougars. This would be Wlejleh's first goal of the season as well as the first of his college career. NCU and UMM would trade shots back and forth for the remainder of the game as neither team could find success. In the end, the clock ran out and the Rams walked away with their first conference win beating the Cougars 2-0. 

Today's box score can be found here.

Looking Ahead:

The men will travel to St. Bonifacius on Saturday to take on the Polars of Crown College. Kick-off is set at 5:00 pm. 

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