WAUKESHA, WI., -- An early goal from Nikki Geijer and a shutout performance from keeper Makenna Harvey and the Viking defense lifted North Park Women's Soccer to a 1-0 victory over Carroll University in their final regular season game.
The Vikings wasted little time taking control of the match. After forcing Carroll keeper Ava Lewandowski into an early save on a shot from Emilie Østlyngen, North Park found its breakthrough goal in the third minute as Geijer capitalized on an opportunity and buried the only goal of the match. This was Geijer's first goal of the season and the quickest goal the Vikings have scored in a conference game this season.
North Park continued their push throughout the first half, controlling possession and creating numerous chances. Sofia Svensson forced a save in the ninth minute, while Ava Balmaseda nearly doubled the Viking lead in the 25th when her shot struck the crossbar. Maja Applequist put another shot on goal that tested Lewandowski but was ultimately denied giving the Carroll keeper her third save of the half. Before the end of the first 45 minutes of play, the Pioneers mounted an offensive attack of their own with Carmella Nowak leading the way. Harvey's play tonight in the net was stellar, coming up with key stops in the 17th, 43rd, and 44th minutes.
The second half saw more of the same with the Vikings controlling the tempo. North Park outshot Carroll 9-4 in the second half, earning four corner kicks as well. Geijer nearly added her second goal of the evening in the 53rd, while Balmaseda and Almi Palmér both had chances during a stretch of sustained pressure. Palmér, Svensson, and Balmaseda led the Vikings in shot attempts tonight with three apiece, with Palmér and Svensson putting one and two shots on goal respectively.
The Pioneers best shot to find an equalizer came midway through the second half in the 64th minute. Nowak, who led all players with five shots and three on goal, continued to challenge the Viking defense. Harvey responded with another save, and moments later Carroll would have another shot but the defensive anchors of Morgan Csajaghy and Tilda Karlsson remained organized under pressure and prevented the Pios from tying the game. North Park finished with advantages in shots (16-8), shots on goal (6-5), and corner kicks (6-3).
What's Next?
The Vikings finish their regular season with a 5-10-3 record overall, and a 2-4-2 record in CCIW play. Their win tonight officially punched their ticket to the CCIW Playoffs
Top Performers
Makenna Harvey - 5 saves
Nikki Geijer - 2 shots, 1 goal
Sofia Svensson - 3 shots, 2 on goal
Ava Balmaseda - 3 shots
Almi Palmér - 3 shots, 1 on goal
