CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park Vikings (3-5) hosted the UW-Oshkosh Titans (2-2-3) on Sunday, aiming to rebound from consecutive losses. Despite both teams being known for low-scoring affairs and strong defense, the Titans stunned early with two goals in the first ten minutes against a Vikings defense that had previously held strong against ranked opponents.

In the 4th minute, Oshkosh defender Shannon Walsh delivered a pinpoint through ball to midfielder Ariana Gonzalez, who slotted it home. Just five minutes later, midfielder Ella Duckmann launched a 35-yard strike into the top left corner, putting the Titans up 2-0.

Oshkosh continued to dominate the first half, extending their lead to 3-0 in the 33rd minute with a penalty kick converted by Gonzalez. Statistically, North Park wasn't far behind, registering seven shots—four on target—but struggled to find the back of the net. Senior forward Caroline Sjøstedt and sophomore midfielder Julia Önnerheim each tallied two shots.

The second half saw fewer chances for both sides, but Oshkosh's early cushion allowed them to weather the lull. North Park increased their offensive pressure, firing nine shots—more than doubling their first-half total. Sjøstedt, along with junior midfielders Hannah Björkegren and Maja Applequist, each recorded three shots, with Applequist placing two on goal.

Now sitting at 3-6, the Vikings shift focus to conference play, beginning with a road matchup against Augustana College on September 27 in Rock Island, Illinois. They'll return home in October for back-to-back games against Wheaton College and Elmhurst University.