WATERTOWN, Wis. -- North Central University needed just one goal to edge Maranatha in what could be a preview of an NCCAA North Region Tournament game.

With the win, North Central improves to 2-1-0 while the Sabercats are still in search of their first win. MBU has lost each of its opening three games by just one goal.

THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 0-1 North Central
• Venue: Maranatha Baptist University
• Location: Watertown, Wis.
• Attendance: 100
• Records: MBU (0-3-0), NCU (2-1-0)

THE STORY

Both teams looked aggressive early on in the game, but neither side had any clear-cut chances to score. That early competitiveness was a microcosm of a combative 90 minutes from the two teams.

Kaleb Smith scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute. NCU started the play with a corner kick that went right through a congested penalty area, and when the ball was sent back into the box, Smith took a one-time shot from the top of the box that found its way into the bottom corner.

North Central created more quality opportunities to score, but Andrew Taylor kept the Sabercats within reach with some athletic saves. Taylor stopped nine attempts, bringing his save total to 20 in his last 135 minutes of action.

Maranatha's best chance came in the second half. Tyler Nelson struck a hard free kick from 20 yards, but Gabe Hartwig (the Rams' goalkeeper) pushed Nelson's attempt over the crossbar and out for a corner kick.

Freshman Bryant Sturgill also put three shots on frame for Maranatha, but Hartwig was up to the task on all three occasions.

THE STATS

• Shot count: North Central outshot Maranatha, 22-8
• Smith: fired 7 shots - the most of any player
• Danny Williams: fired 6 shots (3 on goal) and assisted NCU's goal
• Sturgill: led MBU with 4 shots; 3 on net

THE OPPONENTS

• The Rams compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference and the NCCAA North Region.
• NCU started the season with a 3-1 loss to Saint Mary's and a 4-2 defeat of Crown 
• The only other NCCAA North Region opponent that NCU will face is Providence-Manitoba (Oct. 5) 

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats will travel to Lakeland University Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Find details of the game at mbusabercats.com/composite.