ADA, Ohio – The North Park men's soccer team concluded their season in the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament on Saturday afternoon. After playing to a 0-0 tie through two overtimes, Ohio Northern advanced over NPU via PK's, 4-3.
Defense was the name of the game in this nationally-ranked contest. In the first half, the Vikings managed four shots while the Polar Bears had a slight advantage with six shots in the 45 minutes of play.
The biggest moment, prior to the penalty kick showdown, arrived in the 34th minute when Sebastianas Uribe went airborne to save a free kick on goal and responded with another quick save from the ground when ONU managed a follow-up shot in the box.
Uribe made another game-saving stop in the 68th minute when he snuffed an ONU penalty kick, diving to his left to punch away the would-be go-ahead goal in the second half.
However, after two overtimes, the Polar Bears made all five of their shootout attempts and goalkeeper Josh Ellis stopped the Vikings' neutralizer to advance, 4-3.
Quick Hits:
- Polar Bears with the overall shots advantage (19-9) but both teams send six shots on frame
- Six saves for Uribe, who patrolled the net for 110 minutes of shutout soccer
- Jostein Blindheim led the Viking offense with three shots, including one on goal
North Park concludes the season at 15-3-3 and a runner-up finish in the CCIW Tournament championship. The Vikings sent five members to the all-conference team: Angel Barriga (First Team), Tobias Lunde (First Team), William de Carro (Second Team), Isak Flo (Second Team), and Noel Holm (Second Team).
NPU qualified and advanced in the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in five seasons this year. The Vikings will continue to hold themselves to high standards as they rest and rebuild for another quality season in 2023.
