Box Score
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kim Ippolito, Graduate Assistant to Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Sept. 5, 2013)– The North Central College women's soccer team opened their 12th annual Sal Vaccaro Tournament on Thursday against the Benedictine University Eagles, but lost 3-1.
The women entered the game with only 14 players—two down from their previous roster due to injuries. Assistant coach, Mo Smunt said their main focus after the injuries is to still focus on their overall goals for the season.
"If we get our goals and we accomplish those in the game then it doesn't matter," said Smunt.
The Cardinals' (0-2-0) started the game strong with a goal by, Nicki Seiton, who scored just 34 seconds into play.
But shortly after, the Eagles' (2-1-0) responded with two goals from Nikki Jhanji pushing the Cardinals' back 2-1 to end the first half.
The Cardinals' held possession of the ball for most of the second half, tallying up nine shots, but receiving no luck on their end in achieving goals. The Eagles' gathered four shots in the second half and one additional goal pushing North Central down two.
When the clock ran out, North Central ended the game with 16 total shots, including six by midfielder Hope Stayer.
Smunt said with it being only the second game of the season that they aren't too worried since they have time to adjust their game play with upcoming competitors.
"It's time to turn it around—and we will," said Smunt.
The Cardinals are home on Saturday, Sept. 7 for their second game in the Sal Vaccaro Tournament, taking on Lewis & Clark College at 1 p.m.
