CHICAGO — The #17 North Park University men's soccer team fell to the Carthage College Red Men 3-2 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament Championship at the Holmgren Athletic Complex on Saturday.
The Vikings were quick to score in the first half of play. In the tenth minute, off an assist by senior forward Jason Gonzalez, sophomore midfielder Shatil Khoury jumped past the Carthage defense to head a goal into the back of the net for his seventh goal of the season, giving the Vikings an early 1-0 lead.
However, the Vikings were called for a handball in the box at the 36th minute, allowing for a Carthage penalty kick. Adrian Herrera stepped up for the Red Men, marking a penalty goal to tie up the match at 1-1.
At the half: North Park and Carthage tied at 1
In the second half, the Vikings were first to score yet again. In the 67th minute, the script flipped as Carthage was called for a slide tackle in the box. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Khoury scorched the penalty kick past Carthage keeper Niko Mavrogiannis to mark his second goal of the game, recapturing the Viking lead at 2-1.
Unfortunately, Carthage senior midfielder Kevin Mahoney tied the match with a goal from the top of the box and junior forward Jerry Patino intercepted a kick from goalkeepr Mathias Stulen to give the Red Men their first lead of the game.
These two late goals earned the Red Men the 2018 CCIW Men's Soccer Tournament Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III postseason.
Final: Carthage 3, North Park 2
- The Vikings outshot the Red Men 19 to 6 (7 to 4 on goal)
- Khoury led the Vikings with a pair of goals
- Jason Gonzalez registered his third assist of the season
