Demons slain, Eagles fall; North Soccer wins IHSA Regional title

The Varsity Soccer players and coaches celebrate with fans after defeating Taft H.S. (2-1) to capture the Regional Championship.

Photo by Sally Graham

The Varsity Soccer players and coaches celebrate with fans after defeating Taft H.S. (2-1) to capture the Regional Championship.

The Vikings’ Varsity soccer team beat Maine East in the semifinals and Taft in the finals to win an IHSA regional title on Oct. 22.

The Vikings won an IHSA regional championship for the first time in 8 years by beating Taft in overtime 2-1. Junior striker Quinn Graham scored both of the Vikings’ goals, with the overtime goal being assisted by senior captain Emir Heto. 

The Vikings have had a historic season, beating the record set last season for most wins in one season (20). 

Teammates and coaching staff are upset that the season has ended, but are nothing but proud of what the team has achieved. 

“The ending of the season brought a bittersweet feeling,” senior captain Kyle Pham said. “It saddens me and the seniors’ high school soccer career has come to an end, but to be able to accomplish and achieve so much with your best friends brings such a prideful feeling. The coaches and players have put in so much work over the past few years, and to see it all come together is amazing.”

“(It was an) incredible season for the Varsity boys who managed to elevate the level of performance and expectations,” Head coach Filip Cejovic said. “(I was) pleased with the effort, commitment, urgency, and desire that all led to fantastic results. Memorable and historic season that will stand the test of time.”

While the season left the players with both sweet and sour feelings, it is sure to be remembered within the program and the school for years to come. The program looks to build upon this success and recreate it as best as possible next season.