MANKATO, MINNESOTA - Saturday, NCU continued UMAC play on the road against Bethany Lutheran College. The Rams remained within striking distance through the opening half but ultimately fell 3-0 at Scheels Field. Goalkeeper Alex Gianikas highlighted the defensive effort with seven saves, while Rodrigo Burgos produced both of NCU's shots on goal.
FIRST HALF
North Central's defense was tested early, with Gianikas making saves in the eighth and 16th minutes to keep the game scoreless. Bethany Lutheran eventually broke through in the 25th minute, but the Rams limited the damage and entered halftime trailing just 1-0. Gianikas recorded four first-half saves as NCU worked to withstand seven shots and six corner kicks.
SECOND HALF
The Rams looked to find an equalizer after halftime, with Rodrigo Rocha generating NCU's first opportunity of the period in the 48th minute. Bethany Lutheran, however, scored twice in a four-minute span to extend the deficit to 3-0.
North Central continued to battle and generated its best stretch of offensive pressure midway through the half. The Rams earned four corner kicks between the 57th and 67th minutes, while Burgos put consecutive shots on goal in the 66th and 67th minutes. NCU finished the second half with six corner kicks and three shots but couldn't break through.
Gianikas played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with seven saves, including three in the second half. North Central finished with four shots and two shots on goal compared to 16 shots and 10 on goal for Bethany Lutheran. The Rams did generate six corner kicks, all coming after halftime.
UP NEXT
The Rams travel to St. Bonifacius to play Crown College. That game will begin at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30th.
