Picture credit: Dr. Jeff Nelson

CHICAGO, Ill. -- One goal amongst 29 total shots would propel the fifth-ranked North Park University men's soccer team to their first ever NCAA Final Four appearance, as the Vikings took down fourth-ranked University of St. Thomas in the final match of NPU's hosted Elite Eight match on Sunday night.

To begin the Elite Eight game, North Park wore out the opposition's side of the field as they sent shot after shot towards the Tommie keeper. Despite the barrage of shots, the Vikings were not able to break the scoreless tie. However, the foundation was there.

St Thomas threatened to score twice within a minute with a header but the always-strong Vikings defense was able to deflect the shot away before any damage was done.

North Park responded just minutes later as Jason Gonzalez stole a pass on the St. Thomas side, maneuvered through two defenders, and sent a shot towards the net. However, quick reaction from Tommie keeper Aidan Hogan redirected the ball and kept the score tied at zero.

In the 21st minute of play, a double-barreled attack courtesy of shots from Gonzalez and Matias Warp were put on frame. Yet, Hogan saved both of the Vikings' shots once more. 10 unanswered shots followed before the Vikings caught a break.

The shutout broke when Gonzalez found the hot foot of Shatil Khoury, who flicked the ball past the St. Thomas goalie to mark the would-be game-winning goal in the 30th minute of play. The bouncing ball was redirected on goal from the back heel of Khoury and a slight redirect off of a St. Thomas defender gave the Vikings the lead. This goal proved to be the difference in the match, as North Park's lockdown defense prevented the Tommies from scoring.

FINAL: North Park 1, St. Thomas 0

Quick Hits:

• North Park never let off the gas, totaling 20 shots (10 on goal) and seven corner kicks
• Khoury marked the lone goal, on an assist from Gonzalez, in the 30th minute
• Mathias Stulen was perfect in net, saving six shots
• The frustration was evident for one-defeated St. Thomas, who marked three red cards late in the match
• The Vikings advance to the Final Four for the first time in program history

What's Next?

North Park (20-1-1) extends its unbeaten streak to 20 games and advances to the NCAA Final Four. The Vikings are set play in Greensboro, North Carolina starting December 1.