McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team achieved a significant milestone by winning their first-ever College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament Championship. The Titans, with a record of 6-6-5, secured the title by defeating Carthage College 3-2 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This victory grants them an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

Carthage initially took control of the match, scoring in the 18th minute and again in the 59th minute to lead 2-0. However, Illinois Wesleyan mounted a comeback starting with a penalty kick from senior captain Ryan Miller. His goal narrowed Carthage's lead to 2-1 with less than 20 minutes remaining.

Junior Mush Bakirdan then equalized for Illinois Wesleyan just over five minutes later with a powerful shot that tied the game at 2-2. Carthage had an opportunity to regain the lead with a free kick in the 85th minute, but sophomore goalkeeper Sam Kedzior made a crucial save to maintain the tie.

The decisive moment came when Lucas Tran passed to senior captain Brody Seaton, who scored his third goal of the season at the 87:25 mark. This goal secured a 3-2 victory for Illinois Wesleyan.

Kedzior was honored with the CCIW's Elite 26 Award before the match began. This award is given to the student-athlete at the conference championship who has achieved the highest grade point average.

Illinois Wesleyan will participate in their first NCAA Tournament after earning this automatic bid. The team's placement and opponents will be announced during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday, November 6, at 2 p.m. ET, which will be live-streamed on NCAA.com.