MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - Tuesday, the Rams women's soccer team returned home to Parade Park Field for a UMAC matchup with the University of Northwestern. The Rams faced consistent pressure throughout the afternoon and ultimately fell 8-0. Despite the result, NCU received a strong effort in goal as
Olivia Johnlouis and
Bella Sorbo combined for 18 saves, while the Rams generated all three of their shot attempts in the second half.
FIRST HALF
North Central was put under pressure immediately, conceding in the opening minute before falling behind 2-0 in the seventh. The Rams continued to battle defensively, with Johnlouis making her first save in the ninth minute and adding another in the 18th. Two more goals pushed the deficit to four, but Johnlouis and the NCU defense settled in from there.
Johnlouis was especially busy over the remainder of the half, making eight saves after the fourth goal to prevent the margin from growing before halftime. The sophomore goalkeeper finished the opening 45 minutes with 10 saves as the Rams entered the break trailing 4-0.
SECOND HALF
North Central made a goalkeeper change at halftime, moving Sorbo into goal while Johnlouis shifted into the field. That change nearly produced an immediate offensive spark, as Johnlouis put NCU's first shot of the match on goal in the 48th minute and forced a save.
The Rams continued searching for opportunities as the half progressed. Junior defender
Deshawna Hodges sent an attempt just wide in the 68th minute, followed shortly afterward by midfielder
Hannah Sawczak, whose attempt went wide in the 70th.
Despite the disparities offensively, NCU's goalkeepers continued to compete throughout the full 90 minutes. Johnlouis finished with 10 saves in the first half before Sorbo added eight in the second, giving the Rams 18 total saves on the afternoon.
UP NEXT
The Rams will take on Northwestern again in their next road match. This game will be played on October 14th, at 7:00 PM.Â
