MORRIS, MINNESOTA - Saturday, the NCU women's soccer team traveled to Cougar Field for a UMAC matchup against the University of Minnesota Morris. The Rams battled throughout the full 90 minutes and kept the contest within reach before ultimately falling 2-0. NCU received a strong effort in goal from Olivia Johnlouis and Bella Sorbo, who combined for 13 saves, while junior defender Ramiyah Words placed both of her shot attempts on goal.
FIRST HALF
North Central's defense was tested throughout the opening half, but the Rams held strong during several early attacking stretches. Sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Johnlouis made her first save in the 13th minute before NCU immediately created an opportunity at the other end. Melanie Medina Ortiz put the Rams' first shot of the afternoon on target in the 14th minute, forcing a save.
Johnlouis continued to keep North Central in the match with saves in the 22nd, 24th and 30th minutes. The Rams held the game scoreless for more than 30 minutes before conceding the opening goal in the 33rd minute. Johnlouis responded with two more saves before halftime as NCU entered the break trailing just 1-0. She finished the opening 45 minutes with six saves.
SECOND HALF
Sorbo took over in goal for the second half and was immediately challenged. After making an initial save in the 49th minute, the Rams conceded on the ensuing opportunity to fall behind 2-0. North Central continued searching for a response and generated a pair of quality chances through Words. The junior defender put a shot on target in the 59th minute before forcing another save in the 66th.
The Rams' defensive effort prevented any further damage over the final 40-plus minutes. Sorbo made saves in the 70th, 73rd and 74th minutes before adding three more during the closing stages to keep NCU within two through the final whistle.
Minnesota Morris finished with a 26-3 advantage in shots and a 15-3 edge in shots on goal, while also holding a 9-0 advantage in corner kicks. Despite facing sustained pressure, NCU's goalkeepers produced a strong afternoon. Johnlouis recorded six first-half saves, while Sorbo made seven in the second half, giving the Rams 13 total saves in the 2-0 result.
UP NEXT
The women's soccer team will host Northwestern on Tuesday, at 1:00 PM. That game will be back at Parade Park.
