WAUKESHA, Wis. -- In a match that saw momentum swing like a pendulum, North Park Men's Soccer clawed back from a first-half deficit to defeat Carroll University, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon at Schneider Stadium. The Vikings get back to even in CCIW play with a 3-3 record.
Carroll struck first in the 30th minute when Iskander Sharipov found the back of the net, capitalizing on a well-placed ball inside the box before a left-footed shot gave the Pioneers a 1-0 lead. North Park struggled to find rhythm early, managing just five shots in the opening half, with only two on target, as the Pios packed things in.
However, the the second half told a different story.
North Park came out of the break with renewed urgency, unleashing a barrage of attacks that tested Carroll goalkeeper Uriel Garcia. Between the 55th and 66th minutes, North Park fired off four shots on goal in rapid succession, including efforts from senior midfielder Vidar Rydell and junior midfielder Mathias Soerum, both denied by Garcia and the Carroll defense just in front of the goal line. The Vikings' persistence paid off in the 59th minute when sophomore midfielder Mathias Soerum set things up with a saved shot before having the presence of mind to find a wide open Nico Chavez on the spilled shot for the equalizer.
The visiting Vikings continued to press, and their dominance culminated in the 83rd minute when Chavez would head in an untouched set piece from senior defender Hugo Neborg's corner kick, vaulting North Park over Carroll, 2-1, with his second goal of the game.
North Park Standouts
Carroll Standouts
- Iskander Sharipov – 1 goal, 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
- Uriel Garcia – 6 saves, 2 goals allowed
- Marti Solanelles – 3 shots, 2 shots on goal
What's Next?
North Park (8-5, 3-3 CCIW) steps out of conference play one last time on Wednesday, October 22, traveling to face UW-Platteville (6-3-4, 0-1-2 WIAC). Kickoff at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium will be 7:00 PM CT.
