ROCK ISLAND, IL., -- North Park Women's Soccer competed in their first College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin game this weekend against Viking rival Augustana College (4-4-3, 0-2-1).
North Park was the aggressor from the jump, creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match and outshooting Augustana 23-12, but neither side could find a breakthrough through 90 minutes. The first half saw NPU log eight shots and six corner kicks, as Ava Balmaseda and Maja Applequist each had early opportunities forcing saves from Augustana keeper Sara Schinker. Sofia Svensson led the offensive effort with a game-high seven shot attempts, putting three on goal, with Hannah Björkegren adding five shots of her own. Applequist finished with two shots on goal, while Balmaseda and Frieda Huettinger both had a shot on frame as well.
Defensively, the North Park back line and keeper Linn Nilsson Forsell were sharp all afternoon. Nilsson Forsell recorded five saves to earn her first shutout of the season, making three saves in the first half and two in the second. NPU continued their high volume of shots firing 15 second-half attempts, forcing Schinker into five more saves. NPU nearly found a winning goal in the closing minutes of play, firing six shots over the final 15, many of those coming from Björkegren and Svensson. Despite advantages in shots (23-12), shots on goal (7-5), and corner kicks (9-1), NPU earned a 0-0 draw to Augie.
What's Next?
With conference play in full affect for the Vikings, who now move to 3-6-2, they will stay on the road Wednesday, October 7th when they face off against Carthage College at 7pm.
Top Performers
Sofia Svensson - 7 shots, 3 on goal
Hannah Bjökegren - 5 shots
Maja Applequist - 2 shots, 2 on goal
Ava Balmaseda - 2 shots, 1 on goal
Frieda Huettinger - 2 shots, 1 on goal
