Contact: Adam Poklop, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5324

Box Score

Lisle, Ill. (Sept. 11, 2018) - Despite trailing for much of the first half, the North Central women's soccer team showcased their resilience by scoring two goals in nine minutes to edge the Benedictine University Eagles 2-1 and earn their fourth consecutive win.  

It was an unfamiliar position the Cardinals found themselves in, having gone three games without surrendering a goal — let alone trailing — only to watch Benedictine score in the 27th minute. Yet North Central emerged from half time determined to turn the tables on the hosts and their answer came just over two minutes into the second half.

After forcing a turnover in Benedictine's end, North Central found Aly Crum upfield, who charged around defenders towards the box, fellow forward Lexi Dimovski running right alongside her. As the goal grew closer Crum passed it off to Dimovski. Defenders nipping at her feet and just a few yards separating her from Benedictine goalkeeper Cassidy Henson, she blasted a shot into the corner that left Henson helpless.

The game was tied for less than ten minutes before North Central struck again. After assisting on the first goal, Crum scored the second one. Near the left corner of the box, Crum ripped a shot that curved perfectly into the upper corner, well beyond the reach of Henson's dive.

Although 35 minutes of play remained, the Cardinals had no problem holding on, holding the Eagles to just one shot in the second half.

"Benedictine was ready for us tonight and we got off to a slow start. I give their staff a lot of credit for prepping them and sticking to their game plan. It's important for us to continue to stay true to our style of play and strengths as the season progresses," said head coach Andrew Gamarra.

Both Dimovski and Crum recorded their third goals of the season. For Dimovski — who was just named CCIW Offensive Player of the Week — Tuesday marked her third consecutive game with two points. In net for the Cardinals was Madison Lockard, who was credited as the winning goalkeeper and improved to 2-1 for the season.

 "Jessica Dahle and Elizabeth Hodonicky deserve a nod for their steadiness in the back our last few games. They have been very consistent and will grow further throughout the season," said Gamarra.

The Cardinals' streak of four wins is the program's longest since 2015, which saw North Central win five straight. Moreover, their 4-1 start to the season is perhaps the best in program history, certainly since automated stats were introduced for the 2004 season.

North Central will face one of its toughest tests of the season yet when they host Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves Saturday at 8 p.m. Live stats can be found HERE