CHICAGO – The University of Chicago men's soccer team's first-half goals led the hosts to a 2-0 win over North Park University in the quarterfinals of the 2021 NCAA Division III Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The men improve to an overall record of 16-5-1. This is the fourth time in program history that UChicago is heading to the semifinals and first time for UChicago Head Coach Pat Flinn.

"This was an awesome representation at the highest level of Division III soccer," Flinn said. "North Park is a great program. We play them every year and it's never easy. We knew it would be a battle. Getting the early goal really gave us control and then [Kameron Bloye] had a special moment and then the team really dug in and defended as hard as they could the whole second half. I couldn't be prouder."

In the first half, the Maroon offense pressed against North Park's defense to grab an early goal in the sixth minute of the game. Sophomore Robbie Pino registered his second career goal with an assist by junior defender Griffin Wada off a throw in.

"27 hours ago, I would've said that Robbie is the best Division III player in the country who hasn't scored a goal," Flinn said. "It was just a weird anomaly that he hadn't scored. I am just happy for him personally because he's a really hardworking attacking player."

After gaining the lead, the Maroons defense did everything they could to keep the opposing offense in front of them and frustrate the Vikings.  A key part of the defensive unit were the holding midfielders, first-year Lyndon Hu and senior Ben Brandt, who challenged every ball that came into their zone. 

The Maroons strategy worked as junior Kameron Bloye stole a ball near midfield to give UChicago possession. With an assist from Wada, Bloye blasted the ball into the net for a 29-yard goal in the 41st minute of the game, giving the Maroons the 2-0 lead they needed to win.

"The second goal was a really special moment," Flinn said. "Kam Bloye is a huge part of this team; the season has had its ups and downs for him individually, and he deserves that moment. I couldn't be happier for him, and I know his teammates feel the same."

In the second half, the Maroons continually thwarted the Vikings as they came up the field, forcing the visitors to build from the back. North Park's best opportunities came from corner kicks and free kicks as they tried to press their way onto the scoreboard. In the end, sophomore goalkeeper Will Boyes kept snatching the balls in the box, leaving little chance for the Vikings. It marked the fourth-straight shutout for Boyes (6-0 record) who made two saves in 90 minutes of play.

North Park led the shots category 11-8 and corner kicks 5-2 in the final stats.

NEXT GAME:

• Friday, Dec. 3 - UChicago vs. TBD (at Greensboro, N.C.)