MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - Saturday, the NCU men's soccer team returned to Parade Park Field for a UMAC matchup against Bethany Lutheran College. The Rams looked to bounce back after their midweek defeat but were unable to overcome an early deficit, falling 3-0 to the Vikings. Despite the result, North Central showed improvement defensively in the second half, holding Bethany Lutheran scoreless over the final 45 minutes.
FIRST HALF
North Central faced pressure early in the opening period, with Gianikas making a save in the second minute to keep the match scoreless. Bethany Lutheran eventually broke through on a penalty kick in the 10th minute to take a 1-0 advantage.
The Rams looked to respond quickly, with Francisco Ramirez generating NCU's first shot on goal in the 12th minute. Ramirez followed with another attempt just minutes later as North Central worked to find the equalizer.
NCU continued battling throughout the half, and Elmer Polio Silva put another shot on target in the 39th minute. However, Bethany Lutheran added goals in the 36th and 43rd minutes to take a 3-0 advantage into halftime.
SECOND HALF
The Rams returned to the field with a stronger defensive effort, keeping the Vikings off the scoreboard throughout the second half.
Samuel Tivane Jr. generated North Central's first opportunity of the period in the 49th minute before Israel Tomlin put an attempt on goal in the 54th minute. Rodrigo Burgos followed with another shot in the 59th minute as the Rams continued searching for a breakthrough.
North Central maintained its defensive discipline down the stretch, while Tivane Jr. nearly put the Rams on the scoreboard in the 85th minute with another shot on goal. Despite the effort, NCU was unable to find the back of the net before the final whistle.
The Rams finished with seven shots and four shots on goal, compared to 16 shots and seven on goal for Bethany Lutheran. NCU was held without a corner kick, while the Vikings generated four.
In goal, Gianikas played all 90 minutes and recorded four saves, including two in the second half, helping the Rams hold their opponent scoreless over the final 45 minutes.
UP NEXT
North Central moves to 4-13 overall and 4-6 in UMAC play following Saturday's contest. The Rams will look to regroup against Hamline University on Monday. That game will begin at 3:00 PM back inside Parade Park Field.
As always, fans are encouraged to follow the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on men's soccer and all things NCU Athletics.
