CHICAGO, Ill. -- In a men's soccer Crosstown Classic, 19th-ranked University of Chicago rode a first-half scoring surge to edge North Park, 3-2, on Wednesday night at the Holmgren Athletic Complex. The Maroons struck three times in a 10-minute span before halftime and held off a late rally from the Vikings to secure the win.
North Park opened the scoring in the 15th minute when defender Nico Chavez pounced on a rebound from a saved shot by sophomore midfielder Mathias Soerum, diving headfirst to head it in from close range.
However, U-Chicago swiftly responded with a corner kick goal. Edward Wu equalized in the 32nd minute, sending in an untouched kick from the far corner to level the match at one apiece. Just six minutes later, Jadyn Hsieh-Bailey gave the Maroons the lead with a 25-yard free kick, bending just inside the left post, and he doubled his tally in the 42nd minute off an assist from Evan Kanellos inside the box.
The second half saw North Park push forward relentlessly, outshooting UChicago 11-6 in the final 45 minutes. Those efforts led to senior defender Christian Vaaland narrowing the deficit in the 85th minute, converting a corner kick with a well-placed header assisted by Vidar Rydell. But despite several late chances, including a close free kick for senior defender Hug Neborg that nearly bounced its way in, UChicago goalkeeper Ali Alamery stood tall, finishing with five saves.
UChicago's defense bent but didn't break, with Kanellos anchoring the back line and contributing offensively. The Maroons managed nine shots on goal to North Park's seven, making the most of their opportunities in the first half.
U-Chicago Standouts
- Jadyn Hsieh-Bailey: 2 goals, 2 shots, 2 shots on goal
- Edward Wu: 1 goal, 2 shots, 1 shot on goal
- Ali Alamery: 5 saves, 2 goals allowed, 90 minutes played
North Park Standouts
What's Next?
North Park (7-5, 2-3 CCIW) returns to CCIW action on Saturday, October 18, for a match at Carroll University (6-6-1, 3-2 CCIW). Kickoff at Schneider Stadium is set for 3:30 PM CT.
