The Illinois Wesleyan University men’s soccer team began its season with a 5-1 win over Spalding University at the JR Hoe Invitational in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday, August 29. The victory gives Illinois Wesleyan a 1-0-0 record to start the year, while Spalding falls to 0-1-0.
Matthew Perchik opened the scoring for Illinois Wesleyan in the 10th minute after capitalizing on a turnover by Spalding. Five minutes later, Eddie Mendez-Perez of Spalding equalized with a header off a pass from Marlon Amaya.
Illinois Wesleyan regained the lead when Ben Lyons scored after collecting a blocked shot from senior captain Jerry Smazil. Lyons then assisted Perchik for his second goal in the 28th minute, making it 3-1.
In the second half, freshmen Daniel Smazil and Sage Mullen each added goals for Illinois Wesleyan. Smazil scored his first career goal in the 69th minute, and Mullen finished the scoring in the 78th minute.
Illinois Wesleyan will play Centre College on Sunday, August 31, at Legacy Field in Louisville to conclude its participation in the JR Hoe Invitational.
