McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team concluded its season with a defeat against North Park University in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament Semifinals on Wednesday, November 6. North Park, ranked No. 9, secured a 4-0 win over Illinois Wesleyan to progress to the CCIW Championships scheduled for Saturday, November 9.

An early red card resulted in the Titans playing with one less player for nearly the entire match. Despite this disadvantage, Illinois Wesleyan managed to hold North Park scoreless until the 19th minute. The breakthrough came when North Park gained possession near midfield and advanced down the wing before Eikeland Bastian received a pass through a seam and scored inside the far post, giving North Park a 1-0 lead.

North Park had another opportunity to score but was denied by senior captain Will McNulty in the 35th minute as he blocked a shot to maintain a one-goal deficit. Throughout the first half, despite being outshot 11-4 and trailing 4-0 in corner kicks, Illinois Wesleyan limited North Park to just one shot on goal.

In the second half, North Park added three more goals to eliminate Illinois Wesleyan from the tournament with a final score of 4-0. Junior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior made one save during the match.

Illinois Wesleyan finished their season with a record of 9 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws. This match marked the last collegiate game for seniors Treyson Bixby, Justin Bruso, Mush Bakirdan, Devyn Kennedy, Declan Nugent, Will McNulty, and Logan Shumaker.