McLean County Times

After a tense victory against Millikin University earlier this week, the Illinois Wesleyan men's soccer team is preparing to face North Park University on Saturday, October 14. The match will kick off at 3:30 p.m. at Neis Field.

Junior Logan Shumaker scored the decisive goal against Millikin University on Wednesday, October 11. In his hometown of Decatur, Illinois, Shumaker secured the win for the Titans in the 88th minute with a final score of 2-1. Earlier in the game, junior Eli Warren had put the Titans ahead with a goal following a footrace past the goalie. The Titans currently hold a record of 4-4-3 and are 2-1-2 in conference play.

North Park University's last match ended in a 1-1 tie against North Central College, which is ranked fifth nationally. They enter Saturday's game with an overall record of 8-3-2 and are undefeated in conference play at 3-0-1.

Illinois Wesleyan's leading scorer is freshman Faheem Mujahid with four goals this season. Senior Sasha Tylnyy and Eli Warren follow closely behind with two goals each. Goalkeeper Sam Kedzior leads the conference in multiple categories including shutouts per game (4), goals against average (.607), saves (.897), and saves per game (4.73).

Historically, Illinois Wesleyan has faced North Park University 37 times since their first meeting in 1988. The Titans' record against North Park stands at 8 wins, 27 losses, and 2 draws, with their most recent encounter resulting in a narrow defeat on October 15, 2022.

The match will begin at Neis Field after the women's game concludes at approximately 1 p.m.