WHITEWATER, WI., -- North Park Women's Soccer (2-3-1) ended their three-game road stretch with a tough matchup against the Warhawks of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (4-2). The Vikings are coming off a high scoring 4-2 loss against the Illinois Institute of Technology, while Whitewater is coming off a loss against CCIW foe North Central College.
The Warhawks controlled the tempo from the jump, firing 15 first-half shots and controlling possession for a majority of the opening half. Whitewater's first goal came in the 7th minute when Lilli Rick finished a scoring opportunity off assists from Rowan Severson and Rachel Cvikel, giving them the 1-0 lead. Shortly after that, Cvikel added a goal of her own to extend their lead to 2-0 in the first 15 minutes of play. North Park had some chances that they just couldn't capitalize on, attempting three first half corner kicks and some shots from Maja Applequist and Astrid Palmblad. Despite being outshot 15-2 in the first half of play, the Vikings remained persistent in trying to get something going. Makenna Harvey recorded 8 first half saves, keeping the Vikings within striking distance for the second half.
Harvey saw 20 shots on goal this evening, saving 17 of them (85% save rate), marking a new career high and a single-game record at North Park, while Whitewater finished with a commanding 30-6 total shot advantage. North Park entered the second half with some of its best attacking stretches of the evening, with Amara Olivas and Sofia Svensson each sending in a shot on goal, as well as attempting two more corner kick attempts. However, the Warhawk defense was tight knit and wouldn't allow the Vikings to put one through the net.
Svensson led the Vikings offensively with two shots, both on target, while Applequist added two shots of her own. Olivas and Palmblad each recorded a shot on goal as North Park finished with four shots on frame. Whitewater continued to create chances throughout the second half and eventually added their third score in the 84th minute, securing the 3-0 victory.
What's Next?
North Park will be at home for their next game, when they host Coe College on Saturday, September 19th, where the Vikings will celebrate this year's class of seniors on Senior Day.
