Grand Rapids, MI – The North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team continued their early-season road slate on Friday afternoon with a clash against the Grace Christian University (GCU) Tigers. The Rams showed determination from start to finish, creating scoring chances and battling through long stretches of defensive pressure, but ultimately fell 4-1. Junior forward Paula Capili delivered the highlight of the day with a well-taken first-half goal, while goalkeeper Erma Ramirez posted nine total saves in a demanding performance between the posts.

The Rams were tested from the opening whistle as Grace Christian pushed numbers forward early, creating a barrage of attempts on goal. The hosts broke through in the 5th minute with a low strike into the corner and doubled their lead in the 19th minute on a second well-placed finish. Erma Ramirez stood tall in goal during the opening frame, making several difficult stops to keep the match close, including key saves in the 14th and 20th minutes. North Central responded with resilience, gradually finding their attacking rhythm. Their breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Capili found space inside the box and slotted home a composed finish to bring the score to 2-1. The Rams carried that momentum into the final stretch of the half, with Tayler Boudreaux and Ellison Powell each forcing saves to keep the pressure on. Ramirez totaled six first-half saves, sending NCU into halftime within striking distance despite being outshot heavily.

The second half opened with another surge from the hosts, who extended their lead to 3-1 with a goal in the 46th minute. That early strike forced the Rams to chase the game, but they continued to create opportunities. Boudreaux came close with a driven effort from distance, while Ramiyah Words tested the goalkeeper with a shot from the wing. Defensively, NCU worked tirelessly to slow down the GCU attack, but a fourth goal in the 71st minute sealed the final margin. Ramirez posted three saves in the second half, highlighted by a quick stop on a shot from close range in the 61st minute. The Rams finished the match with eight total shots, five of which were on target, while Grace Christian piled up 31 shots, 14 of which were on goal. NCU lost 4-1 when it was all said and done. 

Looking Ahead:

The Rams continue their road slate with a match a little closer to home as they head to St. Paul, Minnesota, to take on Hamline University on Wednesday, September 10th, at 7:00 PM CT.

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