CHICAGO, Ill. -- The NPU men's soccer team won Sunday's matchup against the Ohio Northern Polar Bears by a score of 3-2.

ONU's Tanner Locke first broke the tie, pocketing a goal just before the 15^th minute off an assist from Bryan Kern. It wasn't long before North Park answered back in the form of a corner kick from Frans Dao that found the head of Christian Vaaland. The 18^th minute goal marked the second of Vaaland's career, with the assist representing the first for Dao. 

Freshman Vidar Rydell followed suit, netting his first career goal with 10 minutes to spare before the half. Rydell made a cut inside before sending a curled shot to the back post, giving the Vikings a 2-1 lead that they would ride out into the break. 

Offering even more insurance, Tobias Lunde came through in the 71^st minute with the team's final goal. The Vikings built up an attack that eventually arrived at the feet of Love Brandt, who then promptly centered the ball for Lunde to make it 3-1. The freshman Brandt joined his teammates Vaaland, Dao, and Rydell in recording a career first.

With around 15 minutes to go before the final whistle, the Vikings afforded the Polar Bears a penalty kick following a foul by Jostein Blindheim. Levi King made the most of the opportunity, but it was too little, too late for the Polar Bears as the Vikings defense stayed solid for the game's remainder and secured victory.

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What's Next?

North Park's next matchup comes against St. Olaf on Friday, September 9^th. This marks a rematch of the 3^rd Round of last year's NCAA Tournament in which the Vikings emerged following a shutout 1-0 victory. That sour taste should still linger in the mouths of the Oles, denoting Friday's game as must-see action.