CHICAGO, Ill. - The Benedictine University men's soccer team kicked off the 2014 campaign with a 3-0 loss at North Park University in non-conference action.

Benedictine, who shared the 2013 NACC Title and was slotted second in the preseason poll, defended well to open the game. North Park, picked second in the CCIW preseason poll, netted the first goal in the 36th minute. The host Vikings extended the lead to 2-0 in the third minute of the second half and added a quick third goal for the difference.

"We had some promising moments in the final third but could not convert," head coach Rich Nassif said. "We lacked urgency in our defensive box when we needed it and they made us pay."

Benedictine finished with just four shots in the contest with Ante Markotic and Anes Kadiric put the only attempts on goal. Steve Mack played the entire contest in goal and registered two saves in his first collegiate appearance. The Eagles managed five corner kicks in the defeat.

"There's a big picture to scheduling such top level opponents early in the season," Nassif said. "We are confident matches like this will prepare us to be a championship side."

Benedictine (0-1) plays at the University of Chicago on Monday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.