Covenant News

Vikings Men's Soccer Team Edges Illinois Wesleyan

BLOOMINGTON, IL (September 27, 2004) - Sophomore goalie Austin Person of First Covenant Church in Omaha, Nebraska, recorded his first collegiate shutout as the North Park University (NPU) men's soccer team edged Illinois Wesleyan University 1-0 on Saturday night.

Person had five saves, including two from point-blank range, as the Vikings moved to 7-1-1 overall, 1-0 in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) play. Coach John Born's team is ranked ninth in the Central Region, according to the latest ratings by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

"Austin couldn't have picked a better time to record his first shutout," said Born. "He made good decisions all night."

Illinois Wesleyan played well on its home turf during the first half, controlling the ball for most of the initial 45 minutes. Person (an All-State high school player) kept the game deadlocked at 0-0 with two saves on Steve Perona shots from 10 yards or less. Finally, Matt Moncada put NPU ahead at the 42:33 mark, taking a lead pass and making a long run before putting a low shot into the far right corner of the net.

The home team had two other scoring opportunities in the second half. Person stopped Jon Yee in front of the goal after a crossing pass and a header by Mark Opal was knocked wide of the goal. Another shot by the Titans was stopped by Jon-Erik Johnson after Person went out of the goal to make a play.

At 4 p.m. Wednesday, NPU hosts CCIW foe Elmhurst College before playing a 3 p.m. conference match Saturday against Augustana College.

In other sports news over the weekend:

• The women's soccer team lost 4-0 at Illinois Wesleyan to fall to 0-6-3 overall.
• NPU's volleyball team went 1-3 at the Wheaton College Invitational, dropping the fifth place match on Saturday to Tri-State University of Indiana.
• Allison Weller placed 47th individually as the NPU women's cross country team finished 19th of 30 teams Friday at the Brissman/Lundeen Cross Country Invitational at Credit Island in Davenport, Iowa. The men's team was 29th overall as Erik Shearer was 279th individually to lead his squad.

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