McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team secured its first College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Carthage College on Saturday, October 4, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Freshman Dillon Baker scored the decisive goal in the final seconds of the match.

With this result, Illinois Wesleyan improves its record to 7-1-2 overall and 1-0-0 in conference play. Carthage College drops to 1-5-2 overall and 0-1-1 in the CCIW.

Illinois Wesleyan dominated offensively, outshooting Carthage 23 to 7 and recording an 11 to 5 advantage in shots on target. The Titans also led slightly in corner kicks, with three compared to two for Carthage. Senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior made four saves out of five shots on goal.

Carthage took an early lead in the 26th minute after converting a free kick into a header that found the top left corner of the net. Illinois Wesleyan had several chances to equalize before halftime, including a shot from senior Logan Tierney that hit the crossbar and another attempt stopped by Carthage's defense.

The Titans tied the game in the 58th minute following a sequence that began with a corner kick from Ben Lyons. After sophomore Gavin Young’s initial shot was blocked, senior Kalabi Kamau sent another attempt toward goal. The ball eventually returned to Young, who scored to level the match.

Illinois Wesleyan continued pressing for a go-ahead goal but were denied by strong defensive efforts from Carthage, including a diving save on Lyons’ free kick and missed opportunities late in regulation.

In the closing moments, freshman Daniel Smazil delivered a cross into the box with just seconds remaining. Baker collected the pass eight yards from goal and scored through two defenders off the far post with six seconds left, securing victory for Illinois Wesleyan.

Following this win, Illinois Wesleyan will host Wheaton College at Neis Field on Wednesday, October 8 at 7 p.m., continuing their CCIW schedule.