CHICAGO (Sept. 3, 2025) –  Facing cool, post-rain temperatures, the North Central College women's soccer team was unable to bounce back from a first-half deficit as the Cardinals fell 1-0 to No. 22 Illinois Institute of Technology Wednesday evening, Sept. 3 at Stuart Field in Chicago. North Central dips to 1-2 on the season while Illinois Tech moves to 2-0 to start the year.

The Scarlet Hawks wasted little time to start off the match, taking their first shot just 48 seconds in. The Cardinals quickly fell into place, holding off Illinois Tech's attempts to get ahead with a blocked shot and a big save by Cardinal keeper Lily Mattison in the 11th minute of play.

A few minutes later, Jordan Lange sent the ball upfield as Brooke Nelson drew a foul, setting up a free kick just outside the box. Kassandra Salviola's shot off of the restart was narrowly deflected by Illinois Tech's Kayla Hampton in goal.

The Scarlet Hawks broke free for a shot in the 28th minute but Mattison prevented the scoring chance with an easy stop. An Illinois Tech free kick following a North Central foul gave the Scarlet Hawks the setup they needed to crack the scoreboard and move ahead 1-0 with just over five minutes remaining in the opening half.

Trailing by one out of the break, Mackenzie Loomis tried for a header goal to start off the second half but it was unsuccessful as IIT's Hampton made the save.

North Central saw another opportunity to level the score in the 56th minute as Lange sent a pass into the box for Gabriella Mattio but the shot was just high, striking the crossbar. Yazmin Martinez attempted a follow-up that was ultimately saved as the Cardinals still trailed 1-0.

A corner kick in the 68th minute for North Central produced a battle for possession that resulted in a header attempt for Lucy Burk that went wide. Still looking for the equalizer, the Cardinals took three more shots through the final 10 minutes of play but were unable to complete the comeback, falling to IIT 1-0.

North Central held the advantage in team statistics for shots (13-8) and corner kick opportunities (7-4). Each team put five shots on goal and it was Illinois Tech's Hamilton that held the slim advantage with five saves while North Central's Mattison net four.

North Central turns its attention to its first home game of the season Saturday, Sept. 6 when the Cardinals host Dominican University for an 11 a.m. Senior Day game.