New Ulm, MN – Saturday, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team traveled for another UMAC matchup against the Martin Luther College (MLC) Knights. Entering the contest, the Rams were searching for their first conference victory of the season after dropping both meetings to the Knights a year ago. This time, NCU showed fight on both ends of the pitch, staying competitive in stretches and finding a breakthrough goal in the second half. Ultimately, the Rams fell 2-1, but the performance highlighted the grit of forward Olivia Beach, who tallied her first collegiate goal off the assist from defender Tayler Boudreaux.

The Rams wasted no time testing the Knights' defense, as Olivia Beach fired the first shot on goal just over a minute in. Moments later, Paula Capili broke free and unleashed a strike toward the upper right corner, forcing another save. From there, the rhythm shifted, and NCU goalkeeper Erma Ramirez became the centerpiece of the opening half. She was tested repeatedly as Martin Luther piled on 13 shots in the first 45 minutes. The senior keeper came up with five critical saves, including a fingertip stop in the 12th minute and a diving effort just before the half-hour mark. Despite her efforts, the hosts converted in the 19th and 26th minutes to establish a 2-0 advantage. NCU continued to create looks of their own. Forward Catelyn Ketterling entered in the 28th minute and quickly made her presence felt, pushing two attempts just wide of the target. Tayler Boudreaux also surged upfield to get involved, registering a shot on frame late in the half. Still, the Rams entered the break trailing 2-0 with the shot count standing 13-4 against them.

Coming out of the locker room, NCU looked reinvigorated. Their persistence paid off in the 52nd minute when Olivia Beach broke through with her first career goal, capitalizing on a strong right-footed cross from Tayler Boudreaux that forced the keeper off her spot to tip it to the awaiting Beach. The strike energized the squad and gave life to the Rams' attack. While the offense looked for an equalizer, the defense remained busy. Ramirez delivered one of her finest halves of the season, collecting seven more saves. She stood tall against a flurry of shots between the 47th and 62nd minutes, denying multiple chances from close range. Joyce Horton, Ramiyah Words, and Ellison Powell anchored the back line, blocking lanes and disrupting opportunities. NCU pushed forward in the final minutes looking for the tying goal. Boudreaux nearly provided the breakthrough in the 89th minute with a well-placed low drive that was smothered at the last second. Despite being outshot 27-6 overall (14-2 in the second half), the Rams remained within one goal until the final whistle.

Looking Ahead

Up next, women's soccer continues UMAC play as they host Bethany Lutheran College next Saturday, September 27 at Elliot Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

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