Chicago, Il., -- With five wins in a row and three straight Player of the Week honorees, North Park Women's Soccer (8-6, 5-0) looks to roll on as they host Millikin University (3-8-4, 0-3-2) this week. Over their last 11 games, Millikin has ended with either a loss or tie, making it safe to assume that they are hungry for a win and will go into this match up against North Park looking to right the ship and take down a team that's hot and at the top of the CCIW standings.
However, the Viking offense is clicking right now, averaging 3.2 goals per game over their last five games while their defense is only allowing 0.8 goals per game during that same stretch. Freshman midfielder Sofia Svennson is making her presence felt in a big way, being #2 in the CCIW in goals scored with 9, #10 in shots on goal (17), #1 in game-winning goals (4), and #3 in points (19). Meanwhile, senior forward Caroline Sjøstedt remains atop the CCIW as #1 in assists with 9 so far this season, along with being #1 in total shots (52), #4 in shots on goal (23), and #5 in total points (15). Midfielders Julia Önnerheim, Maja Applequist, and Hannah Björkegren have also been essential to the offensive success as they have combined for 10 goals (Önnerheim - 4, Applequist/Björkegren - 3 each). Defensively, graduate senior Olivia Eriksson was named Defensive Player of the Week for her play over the Vikings' 3-0 win over Carroll this past Saturday, holding down the back end of the pitch during their 5 game win streak with senior keeper Paige MacRitchie, sophomore Isabellah Avila, senior Ariana Lopez, senior Stine Lie, and more. MacRitchie currently is #2 in the CCIW in total saves (67) and #4 in saves per game (4.79), showing she is a reliable security blanket for this Viking defense.
Millikin has fire power though, despite what some stats may say -- having 11 players with at least a one goal and 5 players with at least two goals. Leading the Big Blue is sophomore Izzy Jones with 5 goals this season followed closely by junior Alana Smith with 3 goals, while senior Payton Dominguez leads with 5 assists on the year. All three goalies who have played this season for Millikin have an average goals allowed of at least 2.18, something that the Vikings will look to take advantage of.
North Park will take on Millikin on Wednesday, October 22nd at 7pm at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.
