Contact: Taiah Gallisath, Associate Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5302
Sept. 1, 2026 - The North Central College women's soccer team flipped the script Tuesday night, rallying from an early deficit to defeat Illinois Institute of Technology, 3-1, in its season opener at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. After falling behind in the first half, the Cardinals erupted for three goals after halftime to snap a two-game losing streak in the series against the Scarlet Hawks, who were receiving votes in the national rankings poll.
North Central went down one in the second minute of play on a long curve goal by Illinois Tech, but the Cardinals thwarted any further attempts for the Scarlet Hawks.
With under 20 minutes to go in the opening half, Jordan Lange took an open shot from the wing and had a narrow miss, hitting the post. Reese Anderson attempted a shot off the ricochet, but the effort soared high. Victoria Jaimes also had a scoring opportunity in the first half as she took a long-range shot outside the box, but the Illinois Tech keeper made the high save.
After the break, Madison DeVriendt entered the corner service into Carly Campbell, who attempted a header that went just high. In the 55th minute, DeVriendt took on her defender in the box and landed a left-footed shot in the top bin for the Cardinals' equalizer.
North Central's backline proved dominant, keeping Illinois Tech out of scoring position and limiting the Scarlett Hawks to just three shots in the second half.
In the 70th minute, a give-and-go from Lange to freshman Lily Mayer to slot it in the bottom corner to take the 2-1 advantage. It marks Mayer's first career goal as a Cardinal.
Two minutes later, the Cardinals benefited from an IIT mistake in the box and were awarded a penalty kick opportunity. Lange converted, giving North Central the 3-1 lead to seal the win.
It marks the Cardinals' first win against Illinois Tech since 2019, as North Central levels the series record to 3-3-1. The Cardinals led in shots, 15-9, and corner kick opportunities, 8-2, while the Scarlett Hawks led with five saves to junior keeper Lily Mattison's three.
North Central is back inside Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium on Saturday, September 5, for a 6 p.m. matchup against #16 Carleton College.
