The Elmhurst University men's soccer team battled throughout the night but fell 2-1 to North Park University on Wednesday at Langhorst Field. The Bluejays created several strong scoring chances and controlled long stretches of the second half before a late goal decided the match.

After conceding early in the first half, Elmhurst regrouped and came out sharp after halftime. In the 53rd minute, Max Aquino buried a shot off a setup from freshman Klaus Gartner to tie the game at 1-1. The goal marked Aquino's third of the season and capped a strong sequence of attacking play that saw the Bluejays gain momentum.

Elmhurst continued to press forward, with Dario Gutierrez and Jacob Wipke each forcing saves and the Bluejays earning multiple corner kicks. Goalkeeper Niyen Ruffin anchored the defense, recording five saves—four of them coming in the second half—to keep Elmhurst in the contest.

Playing with a one-player advantage after a North Park red card in the 82nd minute, the Bluejays continued to push for a winner but couldn't find a late go-ahead goal. North Park converted in the closing seconds to edge out the 2-1 result.

Elmhurst finished with eight total shots, five on goal, and showed balance across the field in the second half. The Bluejays move to 4-7-2 overall and 1-2-0 in CCIW play as they prepare for another conference matchup on Saturday.