MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - Monday, the NCU men's soccer team returned to Parade Park Field for a nonconference matchup against Hamline University. Looking to bounce back from a difficult stretch of conference play, the Rams delivered an impressive second-half performance to secure a 2-1 victory over the Pipers. Samuel Tivane Jr. and David Ajayi each found the back of the net, while goalkeeper Owen Ellefson delivered an outstanding performance with eight saves to help North Central secure its fifth victory of the season.
FIRST HALF
North Central faced pressure early in the opening period as Hamline generated several opportunities in the opening minutes. Ellefson was up to the challenge, recording four saves in the first six minutes to keep the match scoreless.
The Rams began finding their rhythm offensively shortly afterward. Rodrigo Rocha generated NCU's first shot in the 10th minute before Aroda Adris put an attempt on goal in the 12th. Ajayi followed with another opportunity in the 15th minute as North Central looked to break through.
Despite Hamline holding an 11-4 advantage in first-half shots, the Rams continued battling defensively. Ellefson made several more important stops throughout the period, while NCU generated four corner kicks of its own.
North Central entered halftime tied 0-0, thanks in large part to Ellefson's eight first-half saves and a collective defensive effort.
SECOND HALF
The Rams returned from halftime with renewed energy, generating seven shots over the final 45 minutes while limiting Hamline to just five attempts.
Rodrigo Burgos and Tivane Jr. created early opportunities before Ajayi nearly opened the scoring in the 66th minute with an attempt that required a defensive save.
North Central's persistence finally paid off in the 69th minute when Ajayi connected with Tivane Jr., who found the back of the net to give the Rams a 1-0 advantage.
NCU continued applying pressure, and Burgos nearly doubled the lead in the 74th minute when his shot struck the left post.
Just minutes later, the Rams broke through again. In the 78th minute, Steven Griffith found Ajayi, who finished the opportunity to extend North Central's advantage to 2-0. The goal capped off an impressive afternoon for Ajayi, who finished with three points on a goal and an assist.
Hamline managed to pull one back in the 89th minute, but the Rams held strong through the final moments to secure the 2-1 victory.
North Central finished with 11 shots and four shots on goal, compared to 16 shots and 10 on goal for Hamline. The Rams also held a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks, including three in the second half.
In goal, Ellefson played all 90 minutes and recorded eight goalkeeper saves, including several crucial stops in the opening half that kept North Central within striking distance before its second-half breakthrough.
UP NEXT
With the victory, North Central improves to 5-13 overall and remains 4-6 in UMAC play. The Rams will look to carry the momentum from their nonconference victory into the final stretch of the regular season.
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