North Park 3 Wheaton 2.

North Park vs. Wheaton- a game many look forward to all year and tonight didn't disappoint. Play was appropriately physical with a handful of yellow cards evenly distributed. Both teams looked sharp. While I would say that Wheaton played a better build offense, North Park's talent was unmatched. It's amazing to watch North Park's caliber of players get better each and every year. Tonight was my first opportunity to see Jonas Pettersson, and there is a reason he is the top goal scorer in the CCIW. To all the disbelievers out there, he curved the best goal I have seen in a long time to the top left corner from 20 yards out to put NP ahead 2-1 going into halftime. North Park has a history of getting big for big games, and I hope they can carry this momentum through the rest of the season. The CCIW is proving to be a difficult league this year with Elmhurst tying NP earlier this season, Wheaton playing strong ball despite their lackluster record, and Carthage coming up with a win against U Chicago- a feat that NP couldn't accomplish and added another notch to their "kissing your sister" column.

Stats leaned Wheaton's way as far as shots and corner kicks, although Park capitalized on their opportunities. A few inches right and they'd be in overtime, but a post is a post. I love this rivalry and look forward to many more games in the future. First and foremost, It will be a joy to watch these two in the CCIW finals come November.

Indeed. Looked like a typical North Park/Wheaton final game, as far as fan representation. ($5 to the Wheaton Boosters who were simulcasting the game was worth it). North Park taking the entire right side of the stands, Wheaton taking the left. From the sounds of the game, I'm happy that I didn't hear an overhead announcement directed towards the stands (albeit the end of the game where NP students rightly rushed the field in celebration). I always get nervous that the in-stands banter gets worse and worse each year, but it seemed respectful. (Maybe a person who was actually at the game can comment more directly).

From what I saw today, as a North Parker, I'm nervous about the 2011 and 2012 Wheaton team. Their back line was solid and they will only get better. They had a strong schedule this year and have experience of big games in their back pockets. Their season is likely over at this point, but we'll see what Pool C results show.

Here's hoping NP can get out of the first round of the tourney this year.

My brother posts on this message board?!?

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.

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.