MORRIS, MINNESOTA - Friday, the NCU men's soccer team continued UMAC play with a road matchup against the University of Minnesota Morris. The Rams stayed within one goal for much of the afternoon and generated several strong opportunities in the second half, but two late goals pushed the Cougars past NCU, 3-0. Goalkeeper
Alex Gianikas kept North Central in the contest with six saves.
FIRST HALF
North Central created an opportunity almost immediately as freshman defender
Emmanuel Benitez put a shot on goal in the third minute. The Rams continued to push forward, with
Francisco Ramirez and
Rodrigo Rocha generating chances during the opening 15 minutes.
Morris broke the scoreless tie in the 24th minute, but the Rams responded by continuing to create opportunities. Sophomore defender
Anthony Lopez Romero put another attempt on frame in the 28th minute as NCU entered halftime trailing just 1-0. Gianikas made three saves in the opening half to keep the Rams within striking distance.
SECOND HALF
NCU increased its attacking pressure after halftime. Sophomore forward
Steven Griffith generated three second-half shots, including an attempt on goal in the 66th minute, while junior midfielder
Rodrigo Burgos and senior forward
David Ajayi also forced saves.
The Rams put together one of their strongest stretches midway through the half, earning four corner kicks between the 70th and 76th minutes while searching for the equalizer. Morris eventually broke through again in the 74th minute before adding a third goal in the 80th to put the game away.
Despite the final score, the statistical margin was much closer. NCU was outshot just 15-11 and held an 8-7 advantage in corner kicks. The Rams put five shots on goal, while Gianikas recorded six saves in 81:48 in net. Freshman goalkeeper
Owen Ellefson played the final 8:12 without allowing a goal.
UP NEXT
NCU will host Northwestern on Tuesday at 3:30 PM. That will be at Parade Park.
