Covenant News

NPU Men's Soccer Team Beats Wheaton, Again

CHICAGO, IL (October 7, 2005) - The Viking men's soccer team upset 12th-ranked Wheaton 1-0 on Wheaton's home field Wednesday on a second-half goal by freshman Elvis Fikic. The victory snapped Wheaton's five-match winning streak.

Fikic's goal came at 67:03 on a cross from P.J. Eriksson. Wheaton had out-shot the Viking's 21-10, including 14-5 in the first half.

"I thought we played a tentative first half - we were maybe a little bit nervous," said head coach John Born. "Then we made some good second half adjustments; we really played with a lot of focus and confidence in the second half."

The victory was the second consecutive time that the Vikings have defeated the NCAA Division III powerhouse. North Park defeated Wheaton 2-0 on November 6, 2004 in the CCIW Tournament Championship match.

The Vikings are the first CCIW team to ever defeat the Thunder in two consecutive matches. "Anytime you can beat a great team like Wheaton, it is a very rewarding experience," noted Born.

The victory improves the Viking's record to 4-5-1 overall and 2-0-1 in league play. Wheaton falls to 10-2-0 on the season and 3-1-0 in the conference.

North Park plays Carthage (4-6-1, 1-1) at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.

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