CHICAGO, IL., -- The Vikings (4-9-2, 1-3-1) hosted their final home game of the regular season Wednesday evening against the Bluejays of Elmhurst University. With the season inching closer to its end, North Park has been looking to get into a rhythm and notch a few more conference wins to sneak into the CCIW playoff. However, the Bluejays (11-4, 3-2-0) were able to tame the high energy Vikings early and pull away with a 3-1 victory.
Sofia Svensson had an early opportunity to start the game, putting a shot on goal but was thwarted by Elmhurst keeper Erin Fitzharris. North Park generated five shots throughout the first half, including chances from Maja Applequist and Ava Balmaseda, with Balmaseda's two total shots on the evening just missing the cross bar and hitting the side post on the other. Caroline Sjøstedt was able total two shot attempts as well. However, the Bluejays were dominant the entirety of the game and finally broke the scoreless tie just before half with :30 left on the clock when Calli Edwards scored off Maddie Cummings' assist.
Elmhurst doubled its lead in the 58th minute when Nora simon scored her second goal of the season to extend their lead to 2-0. The Vikings would not go away quietly, answering Elmhurst's second goal almost immediately after Maja Applequist sent a deep pass to Almi Palmér who convert as the keeper came out to challenge. Applequist's assist tonight marks her sixth on the season which is tied for the 6th most in a season by a Viking, and moves her to second all time in program history in total assists.
With the momentum shift after closing the gap to 2-1, Linnéa Furufors forced a save from Fitzharris in the 67th minute, while the Vikings earned two second-half corner kicks. Unfortunately, the Bluejays created some breathing room in the closing minutes of the match, Alaina Clark put the game away with her fifth goal of the season in the 87th minute to secure Elmhurst's victory 3-1.
What's Next?
With only two games remaining, the Vikings move to 4-10-2 on the season and 1-4-1 in CCIW play. They finish off their season on the road, first playing Millikin University this weekend on Saturday, October 24th at 2pm, followed by Wheaton College next Wednesday, October 28th.
Top Performers
Almi Palmér - 1 shot, 1 goal
Maja Applequist - 1 shot, 1 assist
Ava Balmaseda - 2 shots
Caroline Sjøstedt - 2 shots
