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

Box Score

Chicago, Ill. (Sept. 20, 2018) - Facing perhaps their most formidable opponent of the season, the North Central women's soccer team fell 6-1 to the third-ranked University of Chicago Maroons (6-0-1).

The Cardinals battled more than just a top-ranked foe Thursday, as the thermometer hovered in the low 90s all game, and even the breeze off Lake Michigan offered little relief for players.

Rachel Dias gave the hosts an early lead, after she fielded a teammate's cross and lifted a shot into the upper corner eight minutes into play. The Maroons were awarded a penalty kick in the 14th minute, but Gretchen Frantz's diving save kept it a one-goal game. In the 39th minute, referees awarded Chicago another penalty kick, and this time the Maroons capitalized and extended their lead to 2-0.  

The second half started on a high note for North Central, who cut Chicago's lead in half in the 51st minute. Freshman midfielder Sara Sheridan's corner kick found its way to the back of the net after it slipped through Maroon goalkeeper Katie Donavon's hands. The Cardinals' elation was short-lived: Chicago quickly made up for the goal — and more — scoring in the 59th minute and again 45 seconds later to take a comfortable 4-1 lead. The Maroons tacked on two more goals before the final whistle, to win 6-1.

Chicago's constant barrage of shots kept Frantz busy in net. The junior faced 18 shots on goal — 38 in total — and made 12 saves. Sheridan's goal was the first of her career.

North Central (4-4) enters CCIW play Saturday when they host Millikin University (2-5) at 7:30 p.m. Live stats can be found HERE.