DECATUR, IL., -- North Park faced an early 1-0 deficit in the first three minutes of play against the Big Blue of Millikin University, but a pair of late first-half goals from Astrid Palmblad and Selma Rydberg looked to set up a crucial CCIW road win for the Vikings, but a late equalizer from Millikin's Izzy Jones in the 76th forced a tie after North Park couldn't find the go-ahead score. Millikin applied pressure early, forcing the Vikings' keeper Makenna Harvey into three saves in the first two minutes, but the constant pressure led to a Caty Schmidt goal in the 3rd minute put the Big Blue ahead 1-0 early. North Park weathered the storm and began to find their rhythm as Maja Applequist, Tilda Karlsson, and Ava Balmaseda sent multiple shots at Millikin keeper Jessa Bearley, and earned four first-half corners.
Palmblad and Rydberg provided a spark off the Viking bench late in the half when Rydberg set up a perfectly timed pass to Palmblad who tied the match 1-1 after her shot found the back of the net in the 35th. This marked Palmblad's second goal of the season and Rydberg's first assist of the season. Soon after in the 43rd, Rydberg scored her second goal of the season to give North Park the 2-1 heading into the halftime break.
The Vikings' aggression persisted into the second half as Almi Palmér put a shot on goal in the 62nd but it was saved by Bearley, with Caroline Sjøstedt challenging just moment later but was again denied by Bearley. North Park was efficient today, posting 16 total shots with 8 on goal and six corner kicks on the afternoon. Unfortunately, the Big Blue tying goal came in the 76th minute when Julia Skol connected with Izzy Jones for her 17th goal of the season.
As the second half clock ticked down, North Park was awarded a late penalty kick setting up Sofia Svensson with a chance to take a late 3-2 lead. She sent her kick in to the left and Bearley came up with yet another save that secured the tie between the Big Blue and the Vikings. Palmér had one more good look in the 90th minute Bearley came up with her sixth save of the match.
What's Next?
North Park will have a few days rest before closing out the 2026 regular season on the road Wednesday, October 28th against Carroll University at 7pm.
