Picture credit: Paige Wilcox and Dr. Jeff Nelson

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The No.10 North Park University men's soccer team defeated the Aurora University Spartans, 4-1, under the lights at the Holmgren Athletic Complex on Tuesday.

The Vikings and Spartans were scoreless until the 16th minute when sophomore forward Patrick Knap, off an assist by junior Gustav Ericsson and senior Erlend Kemkers, scored the game's first goal to put the Vikings up 1-0. Minutes later, Kemkers tallied a goal of his own on an assist from College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Offensive Player of the Week Peder Olsen.

Next, in the 30th minute, Olsen jumped above the Spartan defense to head a free kick from Ericsson towards freshman midfielder William Sandkvist, who capped the scramble in the box with his third goal of the season.

Sandkvist turned around in the 33rd minute to find the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season, off give-and-go assists from junior Alfredo Pichardo and sophomore Ulrik Lund.  

In total, the Vikings notched 10 shots and led 4-0 going into halftime.

Halftime: North Park 4, Aurora 0

The Vikings and Spartans were held scoreless most of the second half until the Spartans scored a late goal in the 87th minute to avoid a shutout.

Final: North Park 4, Aurora 1

Quick Hits: 

• After his two assists tonight, Olsen is third all-time in career assists (21)
• Goalkeeper Edin Sabovic worked a 45-minute shutout, saving the only shot he saw on goal
• Sandkvist marked his third and fourth goals of the season
• Knap tallied his second goal of the season while Kemkers earned his first goal and first assist
• Knap led the Vikings with six shots
• Sophomore Jonas Andersgaard followed with five shots and junior Gianfranco DeCarne was close behind with four

What's Next? 

The Vikings (3-1) continues their long stretch of home games welcoming the Rowan University Profs to the Holmgren Athletic Complex on Sunday, September 15.  Kickoff is set for noon.  

--NPU--