Contact: Matthew Eaker, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

Naperville, Ill. (Sept. 1, 2021) - In their first match of the 2021 campaign, the North Central College men's soccer team shut out their crosstown rival, the Benedictine University Eagles on a beautiful Wednesday night inside Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. 

The Cardinals took advantage early on a penalty in the 8th minute as Johnny Kraemer was taken down in the box, allowing him to take a penalty kick. Kraemer finished it off with a beautiful strike in the upper third past the Eagles goalkeeper.  Sid Marquardt was dominant in his first career start as a Cardinal, posting 4 saves on 7 shots and his first career shutout. Zach Lass, Davis Nelson and Kraemer lead the charge for the Cardinal defense and shut down the Eagles offense for the entire game.  

In the second half, after a mishap by the Eagles goalkeeper, Aleks Aagesen scored on an open net in the 51st minute to extend the lead by 2. The Cardinals kept the pressure on and possessed the ball for most of the half, shooting 6 times and only allowing two shots on net. 

North Central will host the Marian University Sabres on Sunday, Sept. 5. The match is set to start at 5:00 pm at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.