Minneapolis, MN – North Central University (NCU) Women's Soccer continued Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play on Wednesday afternoon at Elliot Park Field, taking on the Crown College Polars. The Rams entered the contest seeking redemption from 2024, when Crown earned wins in both meetings. Today, NCU showed resilience on both ends of the field, with goals from junior defender Ramiyah Words and senior captain Tayler Boudreaux, and a standout performance in goal from senior Erma Ramirez, who recorded 14 saves.

The Rams wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. In just the second minute, Ramiyah Words made her presence felt by finishing a rebound off the corner kick from Tayler Boudreaux to give NCU the early lead. The strike energized the Rams' sideline and gave them much-needed momentum against a high-volume shooting opponent. Crown responded moments later, leveling the match, and pressed heavily throughout the half with a barrage of 15 total shots. Despite the pressure, Erma Ramirez stood tall in goal, coming up with several key stops, including back-to-back saves in the 15th and 23rd minutes to keep the Rams in striking distance. As the half wound down, Crown found another breakthrough just before the whistle, sending NCU into the locker room trailing 2-1 despite capitalizing on their only two shots on frame of the half.

The second half showcased NCU's resilience. The Rams adjusted defensively, limiting quality looks for their opponent while continuing to look for an equalizer. Senior leadership came through in the 77th minute when Boudreaux buried a shot off the feed from junior forward Paula Capil to tie the match at 2-2. From there, the Rams continued to battle, nearly finding a late winner when Capili tested the keeper in the 85th minute. Words also nearly had her second of the afternoon in the final minute, forcing another save. Statistically, the disparity was evident as NCU was outshot 25-5 overall and 17-5 in shots on goal, while also conceding more corner opportunities. But the Rams' efficiency in front of goal and their defensive grit proved decisive in securing a well-earned draw.

Looking Ahead:

Up next, North Central will head back on the road to continue UMAC play, where they are set to face the University of Minnesota Morris on Saturday, October 4th at 2:30 PM at Cougar Field.

As always, 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.