North Park University released its men’s soccer preview this week ahead of their season opener vs. Benedictine University in two weeks.

Senior goalkeeper Wes Woodley ’11 will be the defensive anchor for the Vikings, a season after earning All-Conference honors while leading North Park to a 13-6-1 record and a second place finish in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.

In the CCIW preseason poll, the Vikings are ranked second, just four points behind last year’s champion, Wheaton College. The play of Woodley will largely determine where North Park is ranked at the season’s end.

The Vikings return three key players, including last season's top goal scorer – Pedram Tahmi Masoleh – as well top goalkeeper Wesley Woodley and Diego Lashlee, all of whom earned All-CCIW honors.

"Those three guys are very talented players. Wesley Woodley is one of the best goalkeepers in the conference and one of the best ever at North Park," associate head coach Kris Grahn said. "So with his leadership skills, along with Diego Lashlee – who's also a hard-working player who gives 110 percent – they're both going to be an important part to this year's team."

~ North Park University press release

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