MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — Wednesday, the men's soccer team returned to Parade Park Field for a UMAC matchup against the University of Minnesota Morris. Coming off a 2-1 nonconference victory over Hamline earlier in the week, the Rams looked to carry that momentum into their final stretch of conference play. Despite controlling much of the offensive action and holding a commanding 22-11 advantage in shots, North Central fell 3-1 to the Cougars. Samuel Tivane Jr. scored his second goal in as many games, while David Ajayi and Rodrigo Burgos each recorded an assist.
FIRST HALF
North Central faced an early setback when Minnesota Morris found the back of the net just over a minute into the contest to take a 1-0 advantage.
The Rams quickly responded with offensive pressure of their own. Ajayi generated NCU's first shot on goal in the fifth minute before Francisco Ramirez followed with another opportunity shortly afterward.
North Central's persistence paid off in the 26th minute when Burgos and Ajayi connected to set up Tivane Jr., who finished the opportunity to even the contest at 1-1.
The Rams continued to control the attacking opportunities throughout the remainder of the half. Rodrigo Rocha, Steven Griffith, and Ramirez each generated chances, while Ajayi put two more attempts on goal. Burgos nearly gave NCU the lead just before halftime, forcing another save in the 43rd minute.
Despite the early deficit, North Central entered halftime tied 1-1 while holding a commanding 12-5 advantage in shots, including six shots on goal.
SECOND HALF
The Rams continued their offensive pressure after halftime, immediately creating opportunities to take the lead.
Santiago Grams put a shot on goal in the 47th minute before forcing another save in the 51st. North Central also earned three corner kicks in a span of just over a minute as the Rams pushed for the go-ahead goal.
Grams continued to be a threat offensively, generating four second-half shots, including three on goal. Ajayi and Rocha also created opportunities as NCU maintained pressure throughout much of the period.
Minnesota Morris eventually broke the tie in the 73rd minute, taking a 2-1 advantage despite North Central's offensive efforts.
The Rams continued fighting for the equalizer, with Rocha putting a shot on target in the 80th minute. Aroda Adris nearly leveled the contest in the 83rd minute when his attempt struck the crossbar, and Burgos followed with another shot on goal just moments later.
However, the Cougars added an insurance goal in the 84th minute to secure the 3-1 final.
North Central finished with a 22-11 advantage in total shots and an 11-7 edge in shots on goal. The Rams also matched Minnesota Morris with seven corner kicks, including six in the second half.
Ajayi led NCU with five shots, including three on goal, while Grams contributed four shots and three on target. Tivane Jr. recorded his second consecutive game with a goal, continuing his strong offensive stretch.
In net, Alex Gianikas played all 90 minutes and recorded three goalkeeper saves. North Central also registered a team save during the contest.
UP NEXT
With the result, North Central moves to 5-14 overall and 4-7 in UMAC play. The Rams have a chance to punch their ticket to the UMAC Conference Tournament in their game against Crown College on Saturday, October 31st.
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.
