MINNEAPOLOS, MINNESOTA - Saturday, the women's soccer team returned to Parade Park Field for a UMAC matchup against Bethany Lutheran College. The Rams came out firing offensively, scoring twice in the opening 14 minutes to take an early 2-0 advantage before ultimately falling 5-2. Joselyn Eckhart and Victoria de Abreu each found the back of the net, while Hannah Sawczak led NCU with six shot attempts. Despite the final result, the Rams demonstrated significant offensive improvement, generating 15 total shots and 10 shots on goal.
FIRST HALF
North Central wasted little time establishing an offensive presence, creating several opportunities in the opening minutes. De Abreu recorded the Rams' first shot on goal in the sixth minute before Sawczak followed with a pair of attempts in the eighth and ninth minutes.
The early pressure paid off in the 11th minute when Joselyn Eckhart found the back of the net off an assist from de Abreu, giving North Central a 1-0 lead.
Just over three minutes later, the Rams doubled their advantage. After earning a penalty kick opportunity, Victoria de Abreu stepped up and converted in the 14th minute to extend NCU's lead to 2-0.
The Rams continued to battle as Bethany Lutheran responded with goals in the 16th and 21st minutes to even the contest. Despite the shift in momentum, North Central remained aggressive offensively, earning two additional corner kicks in the 26th and 29th minutes.
Bethany Lutheran eventually took a 3-2 lead in the 33rd minute, but the Rams continued searching for an equalizer. Sawczak nearly brought NCU level just before halftime, putting a shot on target in the 44th minute that required a save.
North Central entered the break trailing by just one goal despite holding a 7-6 advantage in first-half shots and a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.
SECOND HALF
The Rams returned to the field determined to regain control of the contest. Sawczak immediately generated another opportunity in the 48th minute, forcing a save before de Abreu followed with a shot on goal less than a minute later.
North Central continued applying pressure, with Deshawna Hodges adding a shot attempt in the 49th minute. The Rams' offensive effort remained evident throughout the half, but Bethany Lutheran extended its advantage with goals in the 58th and 65th minutes.
Despite falling behind, NCU refused to stop attacking. Sawczak recorded another shot on goal in the 66th minute, while de Abreu created two more opportunities in the 83rd and 84th minutes. Her second attempt was stopped by a team save, preventing the Rams from adding another goal.
Ramiyah Words also joined the offensive effort in the 87th minute, putting a shot on target as North Central continued competing through the final whistle.
The Rams finished with 15 shots and 10 shots on goal, compared to Bethany Lutheran's 22 shots and 15 shots on goal. NCU also generated six corner kicks, just one fewer than the Vikings' seven.
Offensively, de Abreu finished with one goal, one assist, six shots and five shots on goal, while Sawczak added six shots, including three on target. Eckhart contributed NCU's opening goal, and Words added another shot on frame.
In goal, Bella Sorbo played the opening 45 minutes, while Olivia Johnlouis took over at halftime and delivered an impressive 10-save performance. Johnlouis faced consistent second-half pressure and made several important stops to keep the Rams competing throughout the final 45 minutes.
UP NEXT
North Central women's soccer will look to build on its offensive production as the Rams continue their remaining UMAC schedule. The Rams host UM-Morris on Wednesday, October 28th. That game will begin at 3:30 PM following the mens' contest.
As always, fans are encouraged to follow the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on women's soccer and all things NCU Athletics
