Morris, MN – Saturday, the North Central University (NCU) men's soccer team traveled to Cougar Field for an afternoon UMAC clash against the University of Minnesota Morris. The Rams entered the contest looking to end a three-game skid and secure their second conference win of the season. Last year, each side protected home turf in their head-to-head meetings, setting the stage for another hard-fought matchup. This time around, NCU showed poise and determination from start to finish, rallying late despite playing a man down for 60+ minutes of action. Freshman Michael Dagher, from Ontario, Canada, netted his first collegiate goal to force the 1-1 draw. 

The Rams came out with urgency, connecting well through the midfield and testing the opposition early. Sophomore Francisco Ramirez recorded the team's first shot on target in the 12th minute, forcing a sharp save and setting the tone for NCU's attacking intent. Moments later, sophomore defender Anthony Lopez Romero stepped up with a curling effort from distance that drifted just wide. As the half wore on, the Rams continued to build from the back, with junior captain Gerald Nolasco anchoring the defensive shape. Despite being forced to reorganize midway through the period due to a red card, NCU's back line held its ground under pressure. The hosts managed to break through in the 40th minute from the penalty spot, sending the Rams into halftime trailing 1-0.

Coming out of the break, North Central's energy noticeably shifted. The Rams controlled tempo through the midfield trio of Ramirez, Ricardo Vera Martinez, and junior Rodrigo Burgos, who dictated play and sparked several attacking sequences. Junior Santiago Grams came alive in the second half, creating multiple chances and forcing two strong saves with low, driven shots that tested the goalkeeper. After several near-misses, the breakthrough came in the 75th minute. Forward Steven Griffith sent a laser through-ball to the speedy Samuel Tivane Jr., making an incisive run down the left flank before threading a pass across the box to Michael Dagher, who calmly slotted home the equalizer for his first career goal. This freshman to freshman to freshman connection tied the game and gave North Central the energy they were desperately searching for. From that point on, the Rams surged forward with confidence, earning five second-half corner kicks and outshooting the home side 8-4 after halftime. Down the stretch, senior Rody Cuate Torres and Grams each produced quality looks that nearly found the net, while the back line stayed organized to secure the draw. Between the posts, Stevens provided a steady presence with two key saves and several timely clearances, keeping the Cougars' offense at bay and guiding his team through tense closing minutes. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, despite the Rams playing a man down for the majority of the contest. 

Looking Ahead:

Up next, men's soccer will travel to St. Paul to take on the University of Northwestern on Tuesday, October 7th. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM at Reynolds Field.

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