McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's soccer team secured a 4-1 win over Knox College in a non-conference match on Wednesday, September 24, in Galesburg, Illinois. This victory brings the Titans' season record to 5-4-0, marking their highest number of wins since 2022. Knox College now stands at 3-4-1.

Illinois Wesleyan maintained offensive pressure throughout the game, scoring in the third, 23rd, 53rd, and 71st minutes. The Titans outshot Knox 15-6 and held an advantage with eight shots on target compared to four for the Prairie Fire. They also led in corner kicks with five to Knox's three.

A goalkeeping error by Knox early in the match allowed senior Kayley Carew to gain possession near midfield. She passed to sophomore Keira Robinson, who scored from just outside the penalty area for an early lead.

Robinson scored again in the 23rd minute after receiving a pass from sophomore Ellen Dahlquist following a cross by junior Sophie Lampert. This gave Robinson her first multi-goal game and extended Illinois Wesleyan's lead to two goals.

Knox responded before halftime by scoring off a loose ball at the top of the penalty box, reducing IWU's lead to one.

In the second half, junior Ava Mapes delivered a free kick that led to a foul inside the box by Knox. Carew converted the resulting penalty kick to increase IWU’s lead to 3-1.

With about 20 minutes remaining, Mapes scored her first goal of the season after controlling a free kick from senior Jenna Gravitt and shooting past the goalkeeper.

Illinois Wesleyan will next play at home against UW-Platteville on Saturday, September 27. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Neis Field as part of a doubleheader with the men's team.