Saint Paul, MN -- North Central University (NCU) Men's Soccer headed to Paterson Field for their season opener against the Hamline University (HU) Pipers. The Pipers are coming off an uplifting 2-2 tie versus UW-Platteville on Friday. Knowing they'd have their hands full, the Rams would need an impressive first showing from their young talents. The Rams ultimately fell 4-1 in their season debut, but showed flashes of potential from both returning contributors and young players stepping into expanded roles.

The Rams started the match with a blend of veteran presence and new energy on the field, with sophomore keeper Trystin Procyk earning the start in net. In the opening minutes, North Central held its shape well and even tested the opposing goalkeeper when Ricardo Vera Martinez forced a save with a shot to the lower center in the 19th minute. Despite strong defensive stands from junior Anthony Lopez Romero and senior Diego Zavala Varela, the home side broke through in the 26th minute on a shot from the top of the box. A second goal followed just five minutes later, stretching the early deficit to 2-0. Procyk remained composed under pressure, registering five first-half saves, including a clutch stop on a Hamline penalty kick in the 36th minute that kept the Rams within striking distance. The Pipers led the Rams 2-0 at the end of the first half.

North Central made several halftime adjustments, including turning to freshman Derick Stevens in goal. The Rams also shifted their formation to push more numbers forward, resulting in improved attacking opportunities and shot volume. While Hamline added a third goal in the 61st minute and another in the 82nd to take a commanding 4-0 lead, the Rams refused to leave empty-handed. Just seconds after conceding the fourth goal, junior forward Alex Chacich capitalized on a mis-handled ball by the goalkeeper, finding the back of the net in the 85th minute to get NCU on the board. Stevens held his own between the pipes in his collegiate debut, making three key saves and organizing a back line that weathered a barrage of shots and corners down the stretch. Notably, North Central produced 10 total shots (5 on goal), while limiting their fouls to just nine compared to Hamline's 12. The Rams also remained disciplined, avoiding any cards in a match where the opposing side received two yellows and two reds. North Central ultimately fell 4-1 in their first game of the season.

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the team heads to Parade Park Field to take on Bethel University (BU) for their home opener this Thursday at 2:00pm.

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