NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Kalamazoo College women's soccer team continued its road stretch at North Central on Saturday (Sept. 16). The Hornets could not keep up with the offensive explosion by the Cardinals, ultimately falling 7-1.
"North Central is an excellent team; they were organized and well coached," said head coach Bryan Goyings. "I was pleased with how we responded after going down, but it proved to be a tough night."
Kalamazoo had a starting lineup for the second straight game that included Elana Mitchell, Maddie Coffman, Ellie Andrews, Olivia DePauli, Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci, Anna Murphy, Elle Bernas, Holly Bowling, Izzy Kastel, Ruby Hogan, and Destiny Garcia.
The Cardinals scored the first two goals of the game in the 13th and 24th minutes to take a 2-0 lead, but the Hornets cut the deficit in half in the 32nd minute. After a North Central foul in the box, Cassidy Short stepped up to take the penalty shot. The goalkeeper made the save, but Rajendra-Nicolucci hustled to tap the ball back to short for an easy goal and her first goal of the season. Unfortunately, NCC scored one more time before the half to go back up two goals.
Four goals in the second half by the Cardinals put the game out of reach for the Hornets. Mitchell ended the game with five saves, and North Central totaled more shots (16-5) and corner kicks (4-0). Kalamazoo had more saves (5-3) and fouls (8-5).
Goyings added, "We have made some good progress since we started the year, but tonight proved that we have some work in front of us. I look forward to the opportunity we have to improve with the two non-conference games this week."
Kalamazoo will continue its road stint at Cornerstone on Tuesday (Sept. 19), beginning at 7 p.m.