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Contact: Elliott Carr, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

Box Score
 
Naperville, Ill. (Sep. 11, 2015) -Despite a strong showing, the North Central College men's soccer team were defeated 2-1 by the Hope College Dutchmen at  Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium on Friday night.

North Central outshot Hope, attempting 14 for the match to Hope's nine. It was not the first time this season the Cardinals have generated more scoring opportunities than the opposition, but came up short in the end.

It was a promising start to the game for the Cardinals, who almost scored courtesy of a header from junior midfielder Ryan O'Deen in the 16^th second.
The pressure on the Dutchmen defenders continued, as by the 12^th minute North Central had already attempted 5 shots. Sophomore John Borzick was a key contributor early, sending a shot a fraction above the crossbar in the fifth minute, then missing just left in the 11^th minute.

Senior midfielder Joey Faleni's hard running was rewarded in the 18^th minute, as he scored his first goal of the season, courtesy of a Ryan O'Deen assist. The up-tempo game style and athleticism of the Cardinals was giving the Dutchmen problems, and Faleni's breakthrough goal was a result of this.

Hope fought back in the 32^nd minute, levelling the scores thanks to a header from Steve Binnig. Only ten minutes later they would score again, this time David Porte putting the team up 2-1.

The opening moments of the second half were a mirror image of the first, with John Borzick attempting a shot in the first minute.

Twelve minutes later, in the 56^th minute, Ryan O'Deen would miss barely to the right, then in the 57^th minute sophomore defender Nate Donovan's shot was saved.

North Central had several other chances to level the game during the second half, but just couldn't find the back of the net. Should they continue with their fast-paced style, the shots will eventually translate to goals, and they will be back in the winners column.

The Cardinals play next on Sep. 12 against 16^th ranked Calvin College (3-0-1) at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium at 7 P.M. Live in game statistics can be accessed by clicking HERE.