Minneapolis, MN – Saturday, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team continued their 2025 season with a home contest versus Martin Luther College. The Rams came into the match looking to change the outcome of last year's meetings, where they fell in both contests. Despite long stretches of organized defense and improved attacking movement in the second half, NCU fell short of the result they were hoping for, dropping a 3-0 decision at Elliot Park Field.

The opening minutes saw North Central on its heels defensively, as Martin Luther came out firing. Senior goalkeeper Erma Ramirez was immediately tested and responded with several early saves, including two diving stops in the first five minutes that set the tone for her afternoon. Senior defender Tayler Boudreaux and junior Ramiyah Words anchored the back line, cutting off runs and clearing multiple balls from dangerous areas. After weathering the initial pressure, NCU began to find more rhythm midway through the half. Graduate midfielder Anna Deichert helped the Rams settle in by connecting short passes through the middle, while junior forward Paula Capili and sophomore Rhaina Boggess looked to stretch the field up top. Boggess produced NCU's best look of the first half in the 26th minute, launching a shot from just outside the box that carried narrowly wide following a well-placed corner kick. Despite a wave of defensive stands and Ramirez's steady presence in goal, Martin Luther managed to capitalize on a chance in the 12th minute to take the lead. From there, Ramirez took over, registering 8 first-half saves and denying several close-range shots to keep the Rams within striking distance heading into the break down 1-0.

Coming out of halftime, the Rams showed renewed energy and began to control possession through the midfield. Boggess led a strong charge early in the half with a pair of shots, and Capili nearly found the equalizer in the 71st minute, forcing the opposing keeper into a diving save. The Rams also earned multiple set-piece chances, drawing four corner kicks in the period as Boudreaux and Words each helped push the attack forward. While the Rams were generating more looks offensively, Martin Luther converted a penalty kick in the 67th minute to extend the margin. Still, NCU continued to press for a breakthrough, highlighted by a pair of shots from Boudreaux that tested the keeper and a deep attempt from Words that missed just high. As the final minutes ticked away, the visitors added one more goal in the 84th minute, but North Central fought to the end with visible composure and determination. Ramirez once again stood tall in goal, finishing the match with 16 saves, marking her eighth straight outing with double-digit stops. The Rams fell 3-0 to the Knights. 

Looking Ahead:

Up next, women's soccer will host the University of Wisconsin Superior next Tuesday, October 21st, with kickoff set for 1:00 PM from Elliot Park 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.