CHICAGO, Ill. -- Freshman forward Gustav Finér scored twice and North Park knocked off previously unbeaten UW-Whitewater 2-1 Thursday night at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.
The Vikings improved to 5-1-2 on the season with the victory, while the Warhawks suffered their first loss of the year, falling to 3-1-3.
North Park wasted little time getting on the board. In the ninth minute, junior defender Dennis Rinne spun around a Whitewater defender delivered a pass that found Finér, who left-footed the opportunity at 8:54 to give the Vikings an early 1-0 advantage.
Finér nearly struck again moments later, but Warhawk goalkeeper Austin Waite came up with the save.
UW-Whitewater created chances throughout the opening half, including a shot on target from Cade Mansfield that was stopped by sophomore goalkeeper Arvid Skoglund. The Vikings held firm defensively, however, and carried the one-goal lead into halftime.
The visitors responded quickly after the break. Just 3:18 into the second half, Hayden Saul finished a setup from Luke Konrad to even the score at 1-1. A 25-yard throw in bounced around in the box before a saved shot from Konrad found the left foot of Saul, to knot things up.
The equalizer sparked a strong response from North Park. Finér rattled the woodwork in the 50th minute and continued to pressure the Warhawk back line. Freshman midfielder Matthew Engblom, freshman midfielder Hampus Fogelberg and freshman midfielder Emil Soelscher helped the Vikings maintain momentum as the Blue and Gold generated a series of dangerous opportunities.
That pressure finally paid off in the 69th minute. Following a save by Waite on an initial chance from Soelscher, the rebound fell to Finér, who finished from close range for his second goal of the evening and the eventual game-winner at 68:05. Soelscher was credited with the assist.
UW-Whitewater pushed relentlessly for another equalizer in the closing minutes. Skoglund answered every challenge, making key saves on attempts from Nil Calvo Alsina, James Kiraly and Aidan Glancey during the final 10 minutes. Saul nearly found the tying goal in the 89th minute, but his effort stayed away from the net as North Park preserved the victory.
Finér finished with a match-high five shots and four shots on goal while accounting for both Viking goals. Skoglund made six saves in the win, matching Waite's six-save effort for the visitors.
North Park finished with a slight 14-13 edge in total shots and an 8-7 advantage in shots on goal. The Vikings also held a 4-1 margin in corner kicks during the second half as they controlled much of the play after halftime.
What's Next?
North Park (5-1-2) moves into College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) play with a full head of steam. The Vikings host defending conference champions Wheaton College (2-5-1) on Saturday, September 26, at 4:00 PM CT, following the women's game.
