Contact: Emily Zadny, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

Box Score

KENOSHA, Wis. (Sept. 30, 2017) – A strong team effort on both ends of the field was the key to success for the North Central College women's soccer team on Saturday as the Cardinals secured their first College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) win of the season, defeating Carthage College 4-3 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

North Central wanted to make a statement early in the game, hoping to spark momentum to carry them throughout the 90 minutes. Senior captain Sarah Gaither did her part to help the team, finding the back of the net and scoring her first goal of the season off of an assist from Rachel Kolling in the 37th minute to give North Central the early lead.

The Lady Reds had multiple opportunities on offense in the first half, but the Cardinal defense that has been a threat to opponents all season made any opportunity obsolete. Gretchen Frantz recorded three saves in the first half on six shots faced.

The Cardinals held their lead going into halftime, pressuring Carthage to make adjustments in the second half if they hoped to stay in the game.

The second half started much like the first for North Central as Anna Brodjian scored her sixth goal of the season in the 48th minute to put the Cardinals ahead 2-0.

The Lady Reds, knowing what lies on the line in conference play, came out of the locker room ready to put points on the board. Jacey Kent helped her teammates do just that in the 53rd minute, putting Carthage on the board.

Looking to regain control of the game, Brodjian found Allyson Viederis in perfect position to score the Cardinal's third goal of the night in the 57th minute. Shortly after, Catherine Kent would do the same, helping Viederis score her fifth goal of the season and put North Central ahead 4-1.

Knowing there was still time on the clock to take control of the game, Carthage's Erin Otto responded with a goal of her own in the 79th minute to put the Lady Reds back in the game, trailing 4-2.

The Lady Reds were not going down without a fight as Otto scored her second goal of the night with under a minute and bring the score within one. Fortunately, time was on North Central's side as the Cardinals' defense held their opponent to no more opportunities and finished the night with a win.

Viederis' two goals paced the Cardinal offense and assists from Brodjian, Kent, and Kolling demonstrated the importance of teamwork to find success in tough games.

Cohesive play on the defensive end from Alivia Siudak and Meagan Brakob contributed to the team's strong start in conference play. Frantz's eight saves tied her single-game best.

North Central (5-4-1, 1-0 CCIW) hosts Elmhurst College on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. Game time is set for 7 P.M and a link to live in-game coverage can be found HERE.