MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Saturday, the NCU women's soccer team returned to Parade Park Field for a UMAC matchup against Martin Luther College. The Rams generated three first-half shots, including two on goal, but were unable to find the back of the net in a 4-0 loss. Victoria de Abreu led the NCU attack with two shots, while Joselyn Eckhart added a shot on goal. In net, Olivia Johnlouis and Bella Sorbo combined for five saves, with Sorbo recording three stops after moving into goal for the final 17 minutes.
FIRST HALF
North Central faced early pressure and fell behind 1-0 in the seventh minute, but the Rams responded by creating a pair of opportunities shortly after. In the 13th minute, de Abreu produced NCU's first attempt of the afternoon, sending a shot just wide to the left. Three minutes later, Eckhart generated North Central's first shot on goal, putting an attempt toward the top right that was turned away.
The Rams continued to battle defensively throughout the half, keeping the deficit at one despite facing nine shots and five corner kicks. Johnlouis made an early save in the ninth minute to help NCU remain within striking distance. North Central nearly found the equalizer just before halftime when de Abreu put her second attempt of the match on frame in the 44th minute. Her shot toward the top of the goal was saved, sending the Rams into the break trailing 1-0. NCU finished the opening 45 minutes with three shots and two shots on goal.
SECOND HALF
North Central continued its defensive effort after the break, but an early second-half goal pushed the deficit to 2-0 in the 50th minute. Deshawna Hodges, Ramiyah Words, Chloe Bjorlin, and Annaleigh Horton continued to work along the defensive side of the field, while Ellason Popken provided additional minutes off the bench.
The Rams faced another stretch of pressure as the half progressed, with a third goal coming in the 67th minute. North Central was unable to generate the same attacking opportunities it found in the opening half and was held without a shot over the final 45 minutes.
With 17 minutes remaining, Sorbo moved from the field into goal for the Rams and immediately made an impact in her new role. Sorbo recorded saves in the 79th and 81st minutes before the deficit grew to 4-0 late in the contest. She responded with another stop in the final minute to close out the afternoon.
UP NEXT
The Rams will play next Saturday, September 26th. That game will be played at 2:00 PM against Bethany Lutheran College.
