ELMHURST, Ill. -- The North Park University men's soccer team turned in another dominant defensive performance Wednesday night, defeating Elmhurst University 3-0 at Langhorst Field for its eighth shutout of the season. With the win, North Park clinched a spot in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament for the 10th season in a row.
The Vikings improved to 10-1-4 overall and 4-0-2 in CCIW play, remaining tied atop the conference standings with North Central (11-2-3, 5-0-2), which defeated Carthage 4-2 on Wednesday evening. North Park controlled the action from the opening whistle, outshooting the Bluejays 21-6 and holding Elmhurst without a shot on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Arvid Skoglund did not have to make a save as the Viking defense recorded another clean sheet. This is the only conference match across all nine teams this season where a CCIW opponent was held without a shot on frame.
The Vikings broke through in the 27th minute after plenty of close misses. Senior forward Carson Belcher found the back of the net unassisted for his fourth goal of the season, giving North Park a 1-0 lead. Elmhurst goalkeeper Niyen Ruffin kept the Bluejays within striking distance early with five first-half saves.
North Park continued to dictate play after halftime. Freshman forward Gustav Finér doubled the lead in the 74th minute, finishing for his sixth goal of the year. Finér led all players with six shots and four shots on goal.
Elmhurst generated more possession in the attacking third during the second half, earning four corner kicks after the break, but the Vikings continued to deny quality chances, getting a head on nearly every corner opportunity for the Bluejays. Andrew Walters led Elmhurst with three shots, while Isaac Puchalla and Charlie Terriquez each added one attempt.
Senior forward Emil Svenander put the match away in the 87th minute, scoring his second goal of the season on a responding chance to cap the 3-0 victory.
Ruffin finished with eight saves for Elmhurst, while North Park placed 11 of its 21 shots on target.
What's Next?
North Park (10-1-4, 4-0-2 CCIW) heads to Millikin University (8-7-1, 3-4 CCIW) on Saturday, October 24, to take on the Big Blue. Kickoff, which will follow the women's match, is set for 4:30 p.m. CT at Frank M. Lindsay Field.
