The Naperville North Huskies boys’ soccer team were able to keep their playoff hopes alive with a dramatic win over Neuqua Valley.

The Naperville North Huskies (21-0, 4-0) defeated the Neuqua Valley Wildcats (8-8-2, 1-3) by a final score of 3-0.

The Huskies struggled to get their offense going in the first half, as Neuqua Valley goalie Dylan Soto was having the game of his life.

“I think we had some okay chances in the first half, but we didn’t let the great goalkeeping get to us and kept our composure,” junior defender Christian Romano said.

The second half was more of the same, until Colin Iverson exploded for a hat trick in the final 15 minutes to give the Huskies a strong lead.

“Our confidence grew after that first goal,” Iverson said. “We kept on fighting and the ball found the back of the net.”

The Huskies were able to close out the game defensively with goalie Tom Welch completing another shutout to add to the school record he broke earlier this season . This is the team’s second win of the playoff season, following a perfect regular season (19-0-0). They’re on track for a ticket to the state championships, where they hope to win their third straight title.

“To be honest, I lost count [of the shutout record],” Welch said. “I come out and do my job everyday, and I really didn’t have to do much. I have a great defense in front of me, and that’s why we are so good.”

The Huskies will continue their state title run with a game against either Batavia or Lockport Township next Tuesday at Geneva. That match is set to begin at 4:30 P.M.