NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- The No. 8-ranked North Park Men's Soccer team secured their 10th shutout of the season in a late 1-0 win over North Central College on Saturday. The win keeps the Vikings (12-1-4, 5-1-1 CCIW) in the top two of the CCIW race, right behind Wheaton who holds a 6-1 record in conference play.

Sophomore midfielder Vydar Rydell was the first player from either team to tally a shot, blocked by the North Central defense all the way in the 19th minute. The Cardinals responded with the first shot on goal of the game in the 20th minute saved by NPU freshman goalkeeper Ludvig Almborg. Fifth-year midfielder Jostein Blindheim and junior midfielder Angel Arismendiz tallied shots on goal before halftime would arrive, but the two teams were held scoreless in the first half. 

Both offenses picked up their shot distribution in the second half, North Park holding the advantage at 9-5. However, through 80 minutes of play, neither team found the back of the net. That was until an 82nd minute tally by freshman defender Dennis Rinne, set up by junior defender Hugo Neborg, led to the deciding goal.

After the goal, North Central shot four errant, off-frame kicks as the Vikings defended a 1-0 lead for their 10th shutout of 2024.

What's Next?

North Park (12-1-4, 5-1-1 CCIW) ends the regular season with a road contest in Kenosha, taking on the Carthage Firebirds this coming Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 7:00 PM CT. A win for the Vikings and a loss for Wheaton, who play at North Central on the same day, would see North Park touch CCIW gold.