CHICAGO, Ill. -- North Park Men's Soccer opened its 2025 season at home, marking the first game of the academic year at the Holmgren Athletic Complex. The Vikings defended their home turf without a hitch, earning a 3-0 win over the University of Dubuque.

The Vikings' defense didn't allow a shot on goal the entire contest while reaching a double-digit on-target total of their own. North Park also prevented any corner kicks out of the Spartans while boasting seven of their own.

Junior defender Kevin Perez enjoyed his first goal of the season in the seventh minute off an assist from senior midfielder Vidar Rydell. Rydell played a cross from almost exactly midfield where Perez would corral it with his chest before firing a left-footed strike into the goal for the first score of the season.

Freshman forward Noah Cameron would be the next score for NPU. Once more, Rydell would set the action up by moving the ball from just outside of the box to sophomore midfielder Oliver Marchetti Gaardman. A quick redirect pass from Marchetti Gaardman allowed Cameron to briefly collect and shoot, giving the Blue & Gold a two-goal cushion in the 79th minute.

The final goal of the game was scored by junior midfielder Mathias Soerum, the fifth goal of his career. In the 81st minute, Soerum bolted from his own 30-yard line, outpacing every opponent along the way before chipping inside the left post for the Vikings' third and final goal of the game.

What's Next?

North Park (1-0-0) has Labor Day weekend off of competition before traveling to Aurora University on Wednesday, September 3. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM CT.