New Ulm, MN -- Tuesday, North Central University (NCU) women's soccer traveled to New Ulm, MN to face off with the Martin Luther College (MLC) Knights for the first time this season. The Rams totaled a season-high 9 shots on goal against the Knights today as junior Tayler Boudreaux and sophomore Paula Capili each scored the first goals of their NCU careers. First-year goalkeeper Erma Ramirez also had an impressive day as the junior reeled in 19 saves to set a new career high. Unfortunately, the Rams could not keep pace with the MLC offense as the Knights walked away victorious with a 5-2 win. 

Martin Luther got on the board early in this one as the Knights scored in the 10th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Late in the first half, the Rams turned up their offensive attack as they totaled four shots in the first. Midfielder Paula Capili was the most active for NCU as she totaled two shots on goal to lead the Rams. In goal, Erma Ramirez tallied 7 saves in the first 45 minutes to keep the deficit at 1-0 heading into the break.

 The second half would see more scoring opportunities as both teams' defenses began to wear down. MLC got their first opportunity in the 48th minute and cashed in as they took a 2-0 lead over NCU. The North Central defense was under fire to start as the Knights totaled 10 shots in the first 15 minutes. The constant pressure put on by the home squad would eventually break NCU once more as the Knights scored again in the 66th minute. This time North Central had an answer as Madeline Lowe sent a corner kick into the box that found the head of junior Tayler Boudreaux to get NCU on the board. However, it did not take the Knights long to get back in their offensive zone. Just two minutes later, NCU committed a costly foul in the box that led to a Knights PK goal. Martin Luther tacked on one more goal in the 82nd minute to make it 4-1 MLC. Paula Capili then knifed her way through the MLC defense and ripped a beautiful left-footed shot past the Knights' keeper for the Rams' second score of the game. Unfortunately, time would run out and North Central would lose 5-2. 

Today's box score can be found here.


Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams continue their string of road contests with a game against Bethany Lutheran College this Saturday, October 12th. That game is slated for 3:30pm in Mankato, MN. 

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