CHICAGO, Ill. -- After 99 minutes of relentless pressure, near-misses, and a gritty, impressive performance from Carroll goalkeeper Uriel Garcia, North Park finally found the breakthrough they had been chasing all evening in a 1-0, overtime win. Sophomore midfielder Bastian Eikeland buried the golden goal just inside the left post following passes from Hugo Neborg, Nico Chavez, and Måns Klint, lifting the Vikings to a 1-0 OT victory at the Holmgren Athletic Complex on Saturday night.
The match showcased two distinguishable halves - and an overtime - dominated by North Park's attacking persistence. The Vikings tied a season high by out-shooting Carroll 24 to 6, including a 16-shot second half that felt like a siege on the Carroll goal. Garcia, who finished with 9 saves, was heroic in net, especially during a stretch between the 45th and 80th minutes when North Park fired off 10 shots, including four on target and one off the post.
Eikeland led all players with 8 shots, 4 on goal, and the game-winner, celebrating the final goal near the north branch of the Chicago River.
North Park's midfield trio of Chavez, Klint, and Vidar Rydell orchestrated the attack with precision, combining for 8 shots and 2 assists.
Carroll, meanwhile, struggled to generate offense after a promising first 10 minutes that saw three quick shots. Marti Solanelles was their most dangerous threat, accounting for 5 of Carroll's 6 shots, including both shots on goal.
Top Players
North Park
- Bastian Eikeland – 8 shots, 4 on goal, 1 goal (game-winner in OT)
- Nico Chavez – 4 shots, 2 on goal, 1 assist
- Mans Klint – 2 shots, 1 on goal, 1 assist
Carroll
- Uriel Garcia – 9 saves
- Marti Solanelles – 5 shots, 2 on goal
- Nathan Patzer – Defensive save,
What's Next?
North Park (9-6-2) heads to Joe Bean Field next Wednesday, November 5, for a revenge match in the CCIW Semifinals against top-seeded Wheaton College. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM CT.
