NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Junior defender Kevin Perez scored one of North Park University's three goals in a shutout victory over the University of Dubuque last Friday, earning College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Defensive Player of the Week honors on Tuesday afternoon.

Perez's lone shot on goal found the back of the net in the Vikings' season opener, marking the first goal of the 2025 campaign for NPU. After chesting down a pass from senior midfielder Vidar Rydell, Perez delivered a left-footed strike into the goal, giving the Vikings a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute of play.

A native of Glenview, Illinois, Perez also anchored a dominant defensive effort that prevented Dubuque from registering a single shot on goal or earning a corner kick throughout the match. This recognition marks the first CCIW weekly honor of Perez's collegiate career.