McLean County Times

Three first-half goals secured a 3-0 victory for the Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team against Rockford University on Friday night at Neis Field. This win maintains the Titans' unbeaten record this season, now standing at 3-0-1, while the Regents remain winless with a record of 0-5-0.

Illinois Wesleyan is off to its best start since 2012 when the team won its first six games and achieved an 11-win season. The latest victory also marks their third consecutive shutout, a feat last accomplished in September 2018.

The Titans scored all three goals within the first 26 minutes of play. The first goal came in the ninth minute from sophomore Faheem Mujahid after a free kick delivered by senior Mush Bakirdan. Sophomore Ryder Coleman doubled the lead at the 24:13 mark after capitalizing on a shot that hit the crossbar. Just over a minute later, Coleman scored again with assistance from senior Devyn Kennedy.

Overall, Illinois Wesleyan dominated with a 33-7 lead in shots and a significant advantage in corners, taking 14 compared to Rockford's one. Junior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior contributed four saves to secure his seventh career shutout.

The Titans will continue their home stretch with another non-conference match against Monmouth University on Wednesday, September 18, at Neis Field.