Minneapolis, MN -- Tuesday, North Central University (NCU) men's soccer took to the pitch for their third straight Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) contest with the visiting Northland College (NC) Lumberjacks. Both squads came into tonight's match in search of their first conference victory of the season. Last year, the Lumberjacks defeated the Rams twice in both home and away contests. Tonight, North Central would flip the script as NCU controlled the game with a methodical style in the first half that allowed for an offensive explosion in the second. Two goals from freshman Sam Saye helped the Rams beat the Lumberjacks 4-0 from Minneapolis. 

As previously mentioned, North Central's gameplan from kickoff was very evident, as they dominated the time of possession and forced Northland to hunker down on defense. Neither team really had any quality scoring opportunities as there was just one shot on goal and 4 total offside calls in the first 25 minutes. In the 28th minute, NCU reserve Sam Saye checked into the game and looked to make an immediate impact. He did just that as he took the pass from senior captain Ulrich Mvogo, did a little dance at the top of the box, and eventually fired a right-footed rocket into the back of the net for the Rams' first score of the game and his second goal on the year. NCU did an outstanding job of controlling the game in the first half, as they didn't allow a single shot by the Lumberjacks in the first 45. In the final minute of the period, NCU earned a penalty kick opportunity that was turned away by the Northland keeper to keep it a 1-0 game headed into the break. 

To open the second, NCU remained content to play methodically and force the Northland defense to shift and move all over the field. This strategy paid off as the Lumberjack defense wore down and Ulrich Mvogo broke free down the right side of the box. The junior midfielder masterfully found the top left corner of the net for his first goal of the season in the 67th minute of action. Nine minutes later, current NCU "Ram of the Week" honoree, Isaac Hinkle raced down the left side, found teammate Kefeyen Tita at the top of the box who would then find Sam Saye who launched a left-footed strike past the NC keeper for his second score of the game. This freshman-trio connection put the Rams up 3-0. Continuing on the attack, junior transfer Ricardo Vera Martinez sent a beautiful cross from just in front of the NCU bench across the field to Kefeyen Tita who would then score his first goal as a Ram. Northland was able to create some sort of offensive attack in the second half, but none of their 7 shots would get past goalkeeper Peyton Carselowey. The freshman pitched his second career shutout in what would end up being a 4-0 win for NCU.

Today's box score can be found here.


Looking Ahead:

The team heads crosstown to take on the University of Northwestern Eagles this Saturday at 4:30 PM in St. Paul, MN. 

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