RIVER FOREST, IL., -- A strong defensive performance led by Faith Grunwald kept North Park within striking distance this afternoon, but the Vikings (4-8-2, 1-3-1) were unable to find an equalizer in a 1-0 loss to Dominican University (9-3-2, 7-2). The Vikings came out aggressive in the opening minutes and earned a corner kick less than five minutes into the contest. North Park created early opportunities through Almi Palmér and Astrid Palmblad, but neither found their way through the net during the opening third. From there the Stars maintained control of possession and began testing the Vikings defense with a series of chances from Grace durante and Tia Garr.
Freshman keeper Faith Grunwald denied three consecutive shots from Durante in the box midway through the first half before stopping attempts from Garr and Riley Brooks. In her first career start, Grunwald logged 11 saves out of the 12 shots on goal she faced. Despite her impressive performance, Dominican broke through in the 28th when Kaylie Reeve led Megan Wilhite in the attacking third where she converted the lone goal of the match and her seventh on the season. Moments later, the Vikings committed a foul in their own box, leading to a Wilhite penalty kick attempt. Grunwald stood firm and denied the attempt, avoiding the 2-0 deficit before half. In the closing moments before the break, the Vikings threatened the Dominican defense as Caroline Sjøstedt generated back-to-back shots on goal and Emilie Østlyngen added another good look, but keeper Sarah Appleby saved all three.
North Park continued to create chances in the second half, but the Stars remained dominant in time of possession, posting 26 total shots on the afternoon. Lily Cerjack and Amara Olivas provided a spark for the Vikings combining for five shots, with Sjøstedt adding another in the second half and Maja Applequist with another late attempt in the 87th. The Vikings were able to put up 13 shots as a team, putting 5 on goal, but were unable to find the back of the net to tie the Stars late, falling 1-0 and moving to 4-9-3 on the season.
What's Next?
The Vikings head into their last three games of the season before the CCIW Tournament, hosting their last home game against Elmhurst on Wednesday, October 21st at 7pm.
