WATERTOWN, Wis. – Against a stalwart North Central University side, the Sabercats dropped their home opener on a breezy afternoon in Watertown, falling to the Rams by a score of 3-0.

Despite the loss, the Sabercats put together quality chances, as NCU goalkeeper Gabe Hartwig did well on three occasions to deny an alacritous Wira Wama.

"Although the score would indicate we have something to be discouraged about, there was a lot of progress made today," stated head coach Jeff Pill after the match. "We have identified some areas that we will continue to work on, but overall I was encouraged to see so many young players play significant roles in this game."

The Basics

• Result: Maranatha 0-3 North Central
• Sabercats: Now 0-1
• Rams: Now 1-0
• Attendance: 130

How it Happened

• 30′ – Dennis Morales spearheaded a Rams counterattack, and caught Randal Larson off guard by firing early from 30 yards and into the bottom corner to give the visitors the edge
• 67′ – Ian Brekhus then increased the deficit by punishing a Sabercat giveaway. Brekhus took a touch to his left and slotted the ball just inside Larson's right post
• 70′ – Three minutes later, and Kaleb Smith applied a deft finishing touch as he chipped his shot into the far upper corner to cash in on the insurance goal

Key Numbers

• This was the first time that the two teams have met as NCCAA regional opponents
• Wama fired three shots – all were on frame
• Larson made eight saves as he took the loss
• Coach Jeff Pill started four first-year players on the day:
  • Nathan Campbell
  • Austin DeAngelo
  • Tyler Nelson
  • Kevin Risma
• The Rams registered 16 shots to the Sabercats' 6

More from Coach Pill

"Hats of to North Central – they play effective and simple soccer. North Central showed that the NCCAA regional scheme will be highly competitive, and we are excited that every NCCAA Regional game will be a fight to get a result. We will look to improve on today's game against Ripon on Saturday, and I have confidence in the character of our guys that they will be able to do that."

Up Next

• The Sabercats travel to Ripon College to clash with the Red Hawks at 3:30 PM on Saturday. You can watch the game live at this location courtesy of Ripon College