Box Score

LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University men's soccer team saw a five match unbeaten streak come to an end by a 1-0 score to North Park University after going toe to toe with the fourth ranked team in the region.

"What a great college soccer match tonight," head coach Rich Nassif said. "North Park is such a quality side and deserving of the praise they receive regionally and nationally. Ultimately they had a little bit more in their arsenal and it paid off for the lone winner. I credit our guys for going toe to toe with them for vast stretches of the game. We even picked them apart at times in the build, and it's promising to see our guys rising up to the challenge, playing the game the way its suppose to be played, and putting a winning effort in despite the result."

The first half saw Benedictine as the aggressor, recording three shots in the first 25 minutes of action while notching three corner kicks. Anes Kadiric placed an attempt on target in the 10th minute but North Park was able to make the save. Neither team scored in the opening 45 minutes but North Park held a 7-3 advantage in shots.

"Our guys have really figured out the mix of intensity and focus needed on the defensive side of the ball as well as the required composure, combination, and execution on the attacking side," Nassif added. "It is not just the individual plays but the collective efforts of our entire 11 on the field that has us playing an enjoyable and effective brand of soccer. If we can continue the product we are putting on the field, while getting some guys back healthy, I am confident that this team will get everything it deserves at the end of the season."

North Park came out strong to begin the second half, firing attempt after attempt at Zorohn Reed in goal for Benedictine. The visitors posted five attempts before breaking through in the 58th minute on a rebound with the contest's lone goal. The goal was pushed into a wide open net after Reed made the initial stop.

Benedictine had a couple of opportunities late but could not find a way to even the match. North Park held a held a 16-6 advantage in shots for the contest. Reed stopped five shots in goal while Kadiric paced the offense with three shots. North Park (8-3-1) is receiving votes in the NSCAA Top 25.

"The loss tonight will not break the rhythm we have going," said Nassif. "If anything, it is fueling the fire and belief we have in ourselves. Saturday presents another great challenge, and I know we can earn a better result if we give the type of effort we gave tonight for 90 minutes at MSOE. Coming home with three points Saturday would be crucial in securing the top of the table in the NACC."

Benedictine (5-5-1) will travel to another regionally ranked foe on Saturday afternoon to meet MSOE.