Photo credits: Dr. Jeff Nelson
CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park University men's soccer team cruised to a 4-1 win over the University of Dubuque Spartans on Tuesday, October 1. North Park marked a pair of goals in each half to solidify the non-conference win.
Senior Erlend Kemkers tallied the first goal of the game when junior Gustav Ericsson sent in a free kick that was punched off the left post by Dubuque goalkeeper Brandon White. With the net wide open, Kemkers easily chipped the ball in off the redirect to give the Vikings an early lead in the 8th minute.
Dubuque responded in the 15th minute when Josh Merkel successfully scored off a penalty kick, but this tie would not last long.
Junior Gianfranco DeCarne ripped a follow-up shot, going parallel with the ground, to put the Vikings up by one in the 20th minute.
This would cap the scoring through the first half, as North Park held a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
Halftime: North Park 2, Dubuque 1
Junior Peder Olsen would move up the national ranks in the second half of the night game. The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) goals and points leader marked a goal in the 55th minute, off an assist from DeCarne, and another via corner kick in the 63rd minute to extend the Vikings' lead to three.
North Park's defense, holding Dubuque to just seven shots (three on-goal) in the match, prevented the Spartans from scoring the rest of the way.
FINAL: North Park 4, Dubuque 1
Quick Hits:
- With his 12th goal of the season, Olsen is now tied for second in the nation in total goals
- DeCarne's assist tonight gives him six on the season, good for 10th in the nation
- Kemkers and DeCarne tallied their second goals of the season
What's Next?
North Park (7-3) will begin a two-match road trip beginning with CCIW opponent Millikin University on Saturday, October 5. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Decatur, Ill.
