Contact: Rachel Balinao, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant, rabalinao@noctrl.edu
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Sept. 19, 2026) - After returning to Michigan for the second time this week, the North Central College men's soccer team traveled to Kalamazoo College on Saturday afternoon, where the Cardinals fell to the Hornets, 2-0.
Kalamazoo
stung first in the opening minutes, scoring at the three minute mark, off a free kick near the attacking corner following a North Central foul.
Looking to shift the momentum,
Eltayeb Mahmoud took on his defender down the line and gave the Cardinals their first look on goal. His shot forced Kalamazoo goalkeeper Lane Lander to make a save low to the left.
The Hornets continued to pressure North Central's back line, recording four consecutive shots.
Vincent Stanislao kept the Cardinals within one with two saves during the sequence.
Kalamazoo
finished the first half with 10 shots, including five on goal, while North Central recorded one shot on goal. Stanislao made four saves in the opening half, and the Cardinals earned one corner kick.
Mahmoud
again created an opportunity early in the second half, receiving a pass from
Daniel Magallon just outside the box and sending a low shot toward the left side that was saved.
Ten
minutes into the second half, North Central was shown a red card and played the remainder of the match a player down.
In the remainder of the half,
Aleks Duncevic and
Javi Landin connected on a give-and-go inside the box, giving Landin an opportunity to shoot. His attempt was saved by Lander. Duncevic created another chance for the Cardinals when
Andrew Donato played a ball into the box. Duncevic got a touch and fired a shot that was again saved by Lander.
As
the clock continued to wind down, North Central increased the pressure in the attacking third.
Marco Costabile sent a shot high that forced Lander to tip the ball over the crossbar. Following the North Central corner kick,
Griffin French headed the ball toward the back left corner but missed just wide.
The Cardinals continued to press in the final minutes, with Duncevic creating one last opportunity from outside the 18-yard box. Lander made the save to preserve the Hornets' lead.
Kalamazoo added an insurance goal late after capitalizing on an unsuccessful North Central clearance, securing the 2-0 victory.
North Central
Central recorded eight shots in the second half, including six on goal, while Kalamazoo added five shots with three on goal. Stanislao finished with six saves, while Lander recorded seven.
The
Cardinals remain in Michigan as they travel to Albion College on Sept. 20 at 12 p.m. (ET) for their final non-conference road matchup of the season.
