ST. BONIFACIUS, MINNESOTA — Monday, the men's soccer team traveled to Old National Bank Stadium for an NCCAA North Regional Semifinal matchup against Crown College. With their season on the line, the Rams battled throughout the afternoon but ultimately fell 2-0 to the Polars, bringing their 2026 campaign to a close. Despite the result, North Central matched Crown with 11 total shots and held an advantage in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Alex Gianikas highlighted the defensive effort with six saves.
FIRST HALF
North Central came out looking to establish an early offensive rhythm, with Aroda Adris generating the Rams' first shot in the sixth minute. Adan Villarreal followed with an attempt on goal in the 11th minute, forcing a save as NCU continued searching for an early breakthrough.
The Rams continued creating opportunities, with Francisco Ramirez adding a shot in the 17th minute. North Central also earned a corner kick midway through the period as the two teams battled for control.
Crown eventually broke the scoreless tie in the 34th minute, but the Rams continued competing defensively to keep the deficit at one.
NCU entered halftime trailing 1-0, having generated five shots and two corner kicks. Gianikas recorded four first-half saves to keep North Central within striking distance.
SECOND HALF
The Rams faced an early setback after halftime as Crown added its second goal in the 47th minute, extending the deficit to 2-0.
North Central responded by increasing its offensive pressure. David Ajayi put a shot on goal in the 57th minute before senior Santiago Grams followed with another opportunity just minutes later.
Ajayi continued to threaten in the attacking third, forcing another save in the 64th minute. The Rams earned consecutive corner kicks shortly afterward as they pushed to cut into the deficit.
Steven Griffith generated another shot on goal in the 78th minute, while Rodrigo Rocha and senior Giovanni Rech Santos added late attempts as NCU continued fighting until the final whistle.
North Central finished with 11 shots and four shots on goal, matching Crown's 11 total attempts. The Rams also held a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks, including three in the second half.
Ajayi led NCU with two shots on goal, while Villarreal and Griffith each contributed an attempt on target.
In goal, Gianikas played all 90 minutes and recorded six saves, including four in the opening half, helping keep the Rams competitive throughout the postseason contest.
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