Contact: Ashleigh Jones, Sports Information Graduate Assistant

Box Score

Sept. 12, 2017- The North Central College women's soccer team roared past Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) 3-1, in its home opener, bringing its overall record to 2-2. The Cardinals came onto the field with tenacity, ready to take on its opponent and not back down at home.
 
Within the first 10 minutes of the game, North Central had outshot the Scarlet Hawks 3 to 0, thus building confidence in the offensive line of the Cardinals.
 
By containing the ball on IIT's half, the Cardinals finally connected at the 11th-minute mark when sophomore Lexi Dimovski scored her second goal of the season. Domovski scored due to a well-placed assist from Allyson Viederis who had just gathered a rebound off the Scarlet Hawk goal keeper.
 
North Central then pounced at the opportunity to get the ball in striking distance and for another seven minutes within the first half had full possession of the game.
 
By the 17th minute of the game, the Cardinals found themselves up 2-0, after Dimovski burst through IIT's backline and shot with fierce accuracy into the back of the Scarlet Hawks net.
 
Just one minute later Dimvoski earned a hat trick, thanks to a deflected shot off a corner kick, and a threaded pass by Taylor Piggott to an awaiting Dimvoski, who snuck the ball past the hands of IIT's goal keeper.
 
"Tonight was a good win. IIT did a great job making adjustments and keeping it a game," stated Andrew Gamarra. "We showed our youthfulness this evening."
 
After that third goal, the Cardinals' defense was the main attraction. Rachel Kolling played exceptional defense throughout the first and second half, making it near impossible for the Scarlet Hawks to make a move on goal.
 
When IIT did get past North Central's backline, Gamarra felt that "Gretchen Frantz and Mollie Fischer did a terrific job eliminating some chances and stayed steady in goal."
 
Despite the significant win, the youthfulness of the team is still quite apparent. "We made the game 3-0 early but did not close the door," expressed Gamarra concerning the one goal made by IIT. "With more time we will learn to capitalize on small details."
 
With the momentum of back to back wins under the Cardinals' belt, the team is gearing up for its next game versus Aurora University at Vago Field at 2 PM. For live video and stats click here.