MINNEAPOLIS -- Just when Maranatha was on the cusp of a comeback, North Central University pulled away to win 6-2 in a wild NCCAA North Region finish.

Joshua Wright and Braeden Hansel scored goals to make it 2-3 with just 12 minutes left, but 3 late goals sealed the win for the hard-working Rams.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 2-6 North Central
• Venue: Elliot Park Field, North Central University
• Location: Minneapolis, Minn.
• Attendance: 87
• Record: MBU (0-2-0), NCU (2-0-0)

STORY

The first half was all about North Central, as their quick combination play and determined attacking gave them a 3-0 cushion heading into halftime.

But Maranatha fought their own fatigue and a spirited opponent, as Wright scored from 25 yards into the bottom right corner to make the game interesting. Shortly after, Hansel smashed a free kick from 27 yards into the top left corner, sparking legitimate hope into the Sabercats' approach.

Hansel almost repeated the feat just 2 minutes later, but his 24-yard free kick was tipped onto the crossbar by NCU's goalkeeper and away to safety. Maranatha created multiple chances in the second half, but when they pressed to get the equalizer, North Central scored 3 late goals - including one with just 2 seconds left in the game - to seal the win on their home field.

Maranatha Starters: 00- Balyo, 2- T. Holloway, 3- Elms (C), 5- Jones, 9- Wright (C), 11- Cummins, 16- Kirchner, 18- P. Holloway, 20- Cooper (C), 21- Hansel (C), 23- Perkins

STATS

• Shot count: Maranatha 9-25 North Central
• Wright: First collegiate goal
• Thomas Holloway: 1 assist
• Ian Balyo: 6 saves
• Last time: North Central defeated Maranatha in their last contest 1-0 in 2018
• Series: North Central leads the all-time series 4-1

OPPONENTS

• North Central rejoined the NCCAA North Region this year after a 3-season hiatus
• North Central competes regionally within the NCAA Division III in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference
• North Central did not compete in 2020 due to COVID-19

NEXT

The Sabercats head home after a busy weekend in Minnesota to take on Finlandia University on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Follow along at mbusabercats.com/schedule.