Strong Start Propels Lakers Past Vikings

CHICAGO – For the third time in program history, Roosevelt defeated an NCAA opponent by holding on for a 2-1 victory over Division III North Park on Monday night in rainy Chicago.

The Lakers (2-2-0) came out ready to play and dominated the opening half against the Vikings, outshooting North Park 9-3 in the first 45 minutes. Roosevelt forced its first save out of the North Park keeper just seven minutes into the contest and continued buzzing around the Vikings' half of the field. Although the Vikings had three shots, none of them reached Roxana Herrera in goal, while the Lakers forced three saves from the North Park goalie.

The pressure paid off with Gris Gurrola forcing a turnover from the North Park defense then unleashing a 20-yard rocket in the 25^th minute to open the scoring. When it looked like North Park might be steadying itself, Roosevelt had one last trick up its sleeve in the first half. Ashley Luvianos had her shot blocked in the final minute, but it landed perfectly in the path of Nyah Bejarano, who calmly slotted home her first goal of the season with 54 seconds left in the half.

Herrera had to be more on point in the second half as the Vikings flipped the script and peppered the Lakers half of the field. The sophomore made both of her saves in the second half as just three of North Park's nine second-half attempts were on target. Meanwhile, Roosevelt put three of its four shots in the second half on frame to force three more saves out of the North Park keeper.

North Park finally broke the shutout with a goal in the 60^th minute, and almost found the equalizer shortly thereafter after a through ball found its way past the Roosevelt defense. Yet Herrera was aggressive off her line again and was able to stonewall the Vikings attacker before she was able to get off a quality shot. Herrera added a stop in the 86^th minute as her goals against average dropped below 1.00 on the season.

Roosevelt will begin its conference slate Saturday at noon against Judson in Elgin as the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference rivals both begin league play.