The Vikings Boys Varsity soccer team triumphed over Grayslake North with a 5-0 win on Thursday, Oct. 13 breaking a school record in the process. 

A hat-trick from captain and forward senior Tony Sticlaru led the team to their 18th win of the season, breaking the previous record set in the Fall of 2021 for the most wins in one season. 

Now that the regular season is over, playoffs are looming. The first playoff game for the Vikings is against the Maine East Blue Demons at 5pm at Niles North, on Oct. 18. because the playoffs are hosted by IHSA, not Niles North, there is a $5 fee if tickets are purchased online, and $6 fee if you pay upon entry. Here is the link to purchase tickets to the game online. 

If the Vikings win this game, they’ll face off against the winner of the game between Taft and St. Patrick on Saturday, Oct. 22. The first game is their regional semi-final, while the next one is the regional final. If they win both games, the Vikings soccer team will advance to the sectionals. You can find all bracket and game information on the IHSA website in the Glenview sectional. 

Anticipation is building among the teammates. “(I feel) excited and nervous,” Junior goalie Albert Bogdan said. “I hope people can pop out on Tuesday to support us because that always fuels me to play harder.”

The team has had much success this year, only suffering two losses, one of them being in penalties. Their goal is to win the regional title this year but are also aiming for bigger.

“My goal is to put Niles North where it belongs, at the top!” Head coach Filip Cejovic said. “We want to be recognized as the powerhouse that we are and for people to respect us as a top program in the state.”

The team looks to extend its season as far as possible, as a playoff loss spells the end of a team’s season.