CHICAGO– The North Park University Men's soccer team opened their 2018 campaign on a high note and shutout the Illinois Tech Scarlett Hawks, 3-0, at Stuart Field on Sunday. 

The Vikings (1-0) opened the scoring right from the get-go in the first half.  In the second minute, sophomore midfielder Alfredo Pichardo scored his first goal of the season and put the Vikings on the board, 1-0.  Five minutes later, freshman Joachim Hoff scored his first career goal off of an assist by defender Ricky Pimental.  The Vikings lead, 2-0, after one half.  

The Vikings and the Scarlett Hawks (1-1) were scoreless through the majority of the second half until the 81st minute.  In the 81st minute, freshman Benjamin Nygaard scored the first goal of his Viking career to extend the lead to 3-0.  

NPU outshot Illinois Tech 13 to 2 in the match and 8 to 2 on shots-on-goal.  Deni Cresto, Hoff, and Peder Olsen led the Vikings with two shots apiece. NPU held Illinois Tech to one shot in both halves.  The Scarlett Hawks did not tally a corner kick in the match while the Vikings connected on eight.  Goalkeeper Mathias Stulen notched his first shutout of the season and tallied two saves.

The Vikings will open their home schedule welcoming the Kalamazoo Hornets on Wednesday, September 5, at 7 p.m. at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.

–NPU–