CHICAGO, Ill. — The No. 22 North Park Vikings extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches on Saturday, playing Illinois Wesleyan to a scoreless draw in a hard-fought, chippy contest at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.
North Park moved to 9-1-3 overall and 3-0-1 in conference play, while the Titans left Chicago with a 6-1-3 overall record and a 2-0-2 mark in the CCIW.
Playing with edge right away, Illinois Wesleyan generated several dangerous opportunities in the opening half and nearly grabbed the lead just before the halftime break. Junior goalkeeper Melker Regland came up with one of the match's biggest plays in the 43rd minute, sliding to knock away a potential go-ahead shot and keep the match level heading into the break.
The Titans held a 9-4 advantage in first-half shots, but Regland and the Viking defense held firm. North Park's best early chances came from freshman forward Gustav Finér and junior midfielder Bastian Eikeland, though Illinois Wesleyan goalkeeper Owen Boukalik preserved the shutout on the other end.
Illinois Wesleyan threatened again less than a minute into the second half when Gavin Young tested Regland, but the Viking keeper responded with another save.
North Park gradually seized momentum after halftime, earning seven second-half corner kicks and creating several late opportunities. Eikeland led the Vikings with four shots, while Finér put two attempts on frame. Despite the increased pressure, neither side could find the breakthrough goal as long balls from both sides, alongside stingy defense, prevented any scoring chances.
The Titans finished with a 15-9 edge in shots, while both goalkeepers recorded three saves.
With the result, North Park remains unbeaten in its last 12 matches and will concludes its regular season by playing three of four matches on the road.
What's Next?
The Vikings return to action on Wednesday, October 14, to face North Central (9-2-2, 3-0-1) in Naperville. Kickoff at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m. CT.
