McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team is set to start its 39th season this weekend at the JR Hoe Invitational in Louisville, Kentucky. The Titans will face Spalding University on Friday, August 29, and Centre College on Sunday, August 31.

Head coach Kyle Schauls enters his 12th year leading the program and holds the all-time wins record with an 83-78-18 mark. Assistant coach Chad Jones returns for his third season. The coaching staff welcomes a group of 17 newcomers to the roster, including 14 freshmen and three transfers.

Returning players include junior Ryder Coleman and senior Logan Tierney, who were the team's top two point scorers last season. Coleman finished with seven goals and a total of 14 points. Tierney contributed five goals, three assists, and totaled 13 points.

Senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior aims to build on a strong previous season where he recorded 65 saves and seven shutouts, ranking second in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Kedzior started all 18 matches last year with a .747 save percentage.

Seniors Jerry Smazil and Nick McCully return as outside backs for their final season. Smazil started every game last year while McCully started in 15 contests; both will serve as team captains this season.

The matchup against Spalding University marks the first meeting between the two programs. Illinois Wesleyan will seek its first win against Centre College after five previous attempts, with their last meeting occurring in 2009.

Live streaming for both games will be available online along with live statistics accessible through the men's soccer page on iwusports.com.