ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team dropped its non-conference contest against North Park University, Wednesday, Sept. 20, by a final score of 3-2. The Vikings tallied the game-winner with just seven minutes left in the match. After the setback, WashU's record sits at 2-3-1, while NPU's record climbed to 4-2-1. 

 

WashU outshot the Vikings by a final count of 18-7. The Bears recorded eight first-half shots and 10 second-half shots. In total, WashU landed eight on frame. 

 

Senior Owen Culver led the Bears offensive attack by producing a match-high five shots (two on frame). First-year Ethan Wirtschafter recorded two shots in the contest. 

 

The Vikings held a majority of the possession early on. However, the Bears earned the first two shots of the game in the 12th and 13th minutes. Junior Joseph Hipskind and senior John Daniels each had solid chances, but the NPU keeper swallowed up both shots to keep the match scoreless. 

 

North Park broke the scoreless tie in the 17th minute. A WashU turnover near the box proved costly as a Viking corralled the ball, made a move, and drilled the back of the net to give NPU the lead, 1-0. 

 

With time ticking down in the opening 45, Culver made an aggressive move in the box and drew a foul to register a penalty kick. On the penalty try, Culver registered his first goal of the season to even the score at 1-1 in the 39th minute. 

 

Just two minutes later, first-year Colin Link secured his first collegiate goal to give the Bears a 2-1 advantage. Link, who was just outside of the box in heavy traffic, sent a rainbow of a shot that evaded the keeper's reach and landed in the back of the net.  

 

After registering two late tallies, WashU took the lead, 2-1, into the intermission. 

 

Just 29 seconds into the second half, the Vikings tied the score at 2-2. 

 

WashU manufactured several golden opportunities, but the North Park keeper made a few solid saves to thwart the threat.  

 

With just seven minutes remaining, NPU grabbed the lead, 3-2. 

 

The Bears sent late pressure into the Viking third but could not come up with the equalizer. 

 

In the end, NPU secured the victory, 3-2.  

 

WashU will remain at home for its next scheduled contest. The Bears will battle Wheaton College, Saturday, Sept. 23, which will serve as the backend of a doubleheader with the football team. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Francis Olympic Field.