CCIW

[tjcummingsfan]

Carthage wins 1-0. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

Carthage wins 1-0. 

[sigh]

Ah, well, the Titans have NEVER been particularly good in men's soccer.  The women weren't either until the 2000s, so maybe there is hope.

[Gregory Sager]

Wednesday night's semifinals:

#3 Carthage @ #2 North Park, 7 pm

#4 Augustana @ #1 Wheaton, 7 pm

[Gregory Sager]

Congrats to NPU freshman midfielder Mike Herbst upon being named CCIW Offensive Player of the Week. That make seven POTW awards this year for the Vikings, distributed to six different players. No other team won more than three POTWs, and no other team had more than two players named. It really doesn't seem to mean much, as league champion Wheaton only got two POTWs all season; Illinois Wesleyan's the team that won three POTWs, and the Titans didn't even make the CCIW tourney field.

Still, it's a nice recognition -- especially since five of the six players who've won the award for the Vikes this season are non-seniors. When you look at how young both NPU and Wheaton are, you have to think that the rivalry is going to be ratcheted up a few degrees over the next several seasons, since there's a very good chance that they'll be the two teams that are vying for CCIW hegemony.

[FreeScrimp]

North Park 1, Carthage 0. Goal by Kriticos about 1/2 way through the first half. It seems to have lit a fire under Carthage; after playing timid and uninspired for the first half of the period, they are now putting the pressure on Park, who can't seem to regain their possession/control style that gave them success for the first 30 minutes.

[tjcummingsfan]

And via the North Park announcers 0-0 Wheaton and Augie at the half

[tjcummingsfan]

1-0 Wheaton with about 35 left in the second half

[FreeScrimp]

Grahn adds to Park's lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half. 2-0 North Park over the Redmen. Park's looks reenergized after halftime.

[tjcummingsfan]

Final 2-1 Wheaton

[markerickson]

Both of NP's goals were beautiful to see develop.  Carthage had its moments.  The Redmen hit the crossbar once, had two shots fisted over the goal, and the NP goalie laid out to stop a low shot.  Overall, I believe NP dominated between the 20 yard lines and simply hustled more often to get to the ball.

[Gregory Sager]

As Mark said, the two NPU goals last night were things of beauty. The Vikings were clearly the quicker and more skilled team, and it showed. The problem was that they were also fairly sloppy on the defensive end, particularly in the second half. Carthage got way too many shots off in the latter stanza, and Tim Ahlberg had to work harder than he should've in order to preserve the shutout. While I hate to be the glass-half-full guy, I mention it because Wheaton is not the kind of team that will let you off the hook if you make a mistake in the back half. They proved that in spades in the first NPU/WC matchup, in which all three of their goals came off of blunders by the Park. The Vikings will have to clean it up considerably, especially since they won't have those same quickness and skill advantages against a very talented Wheaton side.

[Gotberg]

I appreciate that Wheaton is broadcasting the game over the radio.  However, I do think it is strange they chose to broadcast a choir concert on video and the soccer game on radio only.   

[thePietist]

Agreed, Gotberg!
Listening to the game as I prepare for All Saints Sunday.  1-0 NP @ half.

[thePietist]

NP up 2-1 until Drew Golz equalizes with :45

Overtime, folks!  Good thing we get an extra hour tonight!

[Gregory Sager]

NPU wins in overtime!