MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - Wednesday, the women's soccer team returned to Elliot Park Field for a UMAC matchup against the University of Minnesota Morris. The Rams delivered a determined performance, controlling much of the offensive action in the second half before ultimately falling 1-0. Despite the result, North Central outshot the Cougars 12-11, including a 10-5 advantage in second-half attempts. Victoria de Abreu led NCU with four shots, while Hannah Sawczak added three and goalkeeper Olivia Johnlouis recorded six saves.
FIRST HALF
North Central wasted little time creating an opportunity, nearly taking the lead in the fifth minute when de Abreu fired a shot that struck the right post. The early chance provided a promising start for the Rams, who looked to establish an offensive presence against the Cougars.
Minnesota Morris found the opening goal in the 11th minute, but North Central continued battling to stay within reach. Johnlouis made an important save just over a minute later to prevent the visitors from extending their advantage.
The Rams continued searching for an equalizer, with Sawczak sending an attempt wide in the 21st minute. Defensively, North Central worked to limit opportunities throughout the remainder of the half, with Johnlouis adding saves in the 35th and 39th minutes.
Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Rams remained firmly within striking distance. Johnlouis finished the opening period with three saves as NCU prepared to make a second-half push.
SECOND HALF
North Central returned to the field with renewed energy, putting together one of its strongest offensive halves of the season.
De Abreu opened the second-half attack with a shot in the 48th minute before Deshawna Hodges added another attempt in the 52nd. Just moments later, Sawczak put a shot on goal in the 54th minute, forcing a save as the Rams continued applying pressure.
The offensive opportunities continued throughout the middle portion of the half. De Abreu and Joselyn Eckhart each generated shots in the 61st minute, while Hodges added another attempt in the 65th.
NCU continued pressing forward in search of the equalizer. Sawczak recorded another shot in the 70th minute before Ramiyah Words put an attempt on target in the 73rd. De Abreu followed with a shot on goal in the 75th minute, and Eckhart forced another save in the 78th as the Rams continued knocking on the door.
Despite creating several quality opportunities, North Central was unable to find the equalizing goal. The Rams finished with 12 shots compared to Minnesota Morris' 11, including a dominant 10-5 advantage in the second half. The Cougars held a 7-4 edge in shots on goal and a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks.
Individually, de Abreu led the offensive effort with four shots, while Sawczak added three. Hodges and Eckhart each recorded two attempts, with Words contributing another shot on goal.
In goal, Olivia Johnlouis played all 90 minutes and finished with six saves, including three in each half. Her performance helped keep the Rams within one goal throughout the afternoon, giving North Central opportunities to battle for an equalizer until the final whistle.
While the scoreboard did not favor the Rams, Wednesday's performance demonstrated the team's continued improvement and determination. After facing challenging results throughout the season, North Central showed its ability to generate sustained offensive pressure and compete in a tightly contested UMAC matchup.
UP NEXT
North Central women's soccer will look to build on Wednesday's strong second-half performance as the Rams continue in their final game of the season on Saturday.
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.
