ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- The North Park's men's soccer team got back in the win column by defeating Washington University in St. Louis 3-2 at Francis Olympic Field on Wednesday afternoon.
Junior midfielder William de Carro opened the scoring with a goal in the 17th minute of play due to a critical WashU turnover in their own box. However, the Bears' high shot volume later in the first half led to a pair of scores within three minutes just before half. After the second goal, a successful penalty kick in the 39th minute, the Vikings went into halftime down 2-1.
Within the first thirty seconds of play to start the second half, sophomore defender Hugo Neborg found sophomore forward Michal Dejworek for the tying goal, 2-2.
WashU had plenty of chances to score, but junior goalkeeper Alfred Swärd had different plans, racking up six crucial saves despite the two first-half goals. Both teams would go scoreless for the next thirty-eight minutes until fifth-year senior forward Jostein Blindheim scored his first goal of the season in the 84th minute of the game. The Bears, protesting a touch out on the sideline, took advantage of a quick throw in and utilized consecutive shots, with Blindheim's recording as the eventual game winner.
The Bears sent in a couple shots off frame through the remaining six minutes, but the Vikings would walk away with a key victory, breaking winless stretch of three games.
Quick Hits:
- WashU with a heavy shots advantage (18-7) but Vikings get last laugh
- Goals for de Carro, Dejworek, and Blindheim
- Dejworek remains the lead goal scorer for NPU, now with four this season
- Blindheim with his first goal of the season
- Lots of corners - 9 for NPU and 10 for WashU
- Assist for Neborg on Dejworek's game-tying goal
What's Next?
The Vikings (4-2-1) winning this match bodes well heading into conference play, hosting fellow Vikings from Augustana College this Saturday night, September 23, immediately following the women's match. Kickoff for the Homecoming match is set for 7:30 PM at Holmgren.
