LISLE, Ill. -- North Park University's Women's Soccer opened the 2026 campaign with a strong road performance Tuesday night, defeating Benedictine University 2-1 at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex.
The Vikings scored twice in a little more than two minutes midway through the first half and held off a late Eagles rally to secure their first win of the season. After weathering an early push from Benedictine, North Park gradually took control of the match. Goalkeeper Makenna Harvey made an early save on a shot from Benedictine's Klara Cicha less than two minutes into play, helping keep the contest scoreless while the Vikings settled into the game. North Park's attack began generating opportunities as the first half progressed, with shots from Almi Palmér and Nikki Geijer forcing saves from Benedictine goalkeeper Ximena Delgado.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute. Following sustained pressure and a pair of corner kicks, senior midfielder Maja Applequist found freshman forward Almi Palmér, who finished her opportunity at the 21:37 mark to put the Vikings ahead 1-0. The goal was Palmér's first of the season and the first of her Viking career, as well as marking Applequist's first assist of 2026.
North Park wasted little time doubling the advantage. Just 2:18 after the opening goal, Hannah Björkegren found the back of the net at 23:55, giving the Vikings a 2-0 lead. The goal stood as the eventual game-winner, allowing North Park to take a two-goal cushion into halftime despite a determined effort from the home side.
The Vikings continued to create chances throughout the second half and finished with a 15-10 advantage in total shots while also holding a 6-1 edge in corner kicks. North Park generated nine shots after halftime, including opportunities from Caroline Sjøstedt, Astrid Palmblad, and Palmér. Benedictine keeper Delgado kept the Eagles within striking distance, recording five saves on seven North Park shots on goal in half number two.
Defensively, North Park received a steady performance from Harvey in her first game as a Viking, playing all 90 minutes in goal and finished with four saves. Three of those stops came in the second half as Benedictine increased its pressure in search of a comeback. The Vikings' back line, anchored by defenders Morgan Csajaghy and Linnéa Furufors, helped limit the Eagles to just five shots on target throughout the evening.
Benedictine finally broke through in the 89th minute. Following a corner kick and another save by Harvey, the Eagles converted a late opportunity when substitute Audrey Powlick scored at 88:04. Sam Bennett and Olivia Smycz were credited with assists on the play, trimming the deficit to 2-1 and creating a tense finish. North Park, however, successfully saw out the final minutes to preserve the victory.
Palmér and Björkegren each scored once to lead the Vikings offensively. Palmér finished with three shots and two shots on goal, while Björkegren added two shots and the game-winning tally. Applequist contributed the assist, and Palmblad recorded a team-high three shots off the bench. Geijer and Sjøstedt each added two shots as North Park placed seven attempts on frame.
What's Next?
North Park (1-0) will be at home on Thursday, September 3 when they host the Milwaukee School of Engineering for their home opener at 7pm.
