McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team is set to play its first home conference match of the season on Wednesday, October 8, against Wheaton College at Neis Field in Bloomington. The Titans are coming off a dramatic win over Carthage College, secured by freshman Dillon Baker’s last-second goal. This victory extended their winning streak to three games and improved their record to 7-1-2 overall and 1-0 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).

Illinois Wesleyan's defense has been a strong point this season. Senior Sam Kedzior was recently named CCIW Defensive Player of the Week and continued his form by making four saves and conceding just one goal in the win over Carthage. On offense, senior Kalabi Kamau contributed an assist that led to sophomore Gavin Young’s equalizing goal.

In the final moments against Carthage, freshman Daniel Smazil set up Baker for the decisive score with under 15 seconds left on the clock.

Sophomore Ben Lyons leads the Titans with 13 points and five goals, placing him third among all players in the CCIW for goals scored. Junior Ryder Coleman has provided four assists, contributing points in each of the last three matches. Senior Logan Tierney follows with three assists.

Junior Matthew Perchik returned from an ankle injury in time for the Carthage match, bolstering Illinois Wesleyan’s offensive options.

Their upcoming opponent, Wheaton College, is also on a three-game winning streak with a 6-2-3 record (2-0 CCIW). Wheaton has kept clean sheets in all three recent wins and scored six goals during that stretch. Luke Vander Kolk leads their attack with ten goals and 22 points—both tops in the conference—and has recorded four game-winning goals this season. Graduate student Jack Krahel has started all eleven matches as goalkeeper for Wheaton, allowing fourteen goals with thirty saves and four shutouts.

Last season, Illinois Wesleyan won their only meeting with Wheaton 2-0 but trails historically with only six wins compared to Wheaton’s thirty-two. However, IWU did advance past Wheaton in penalty kicks during last year’s CCIW Tournament semifinals.

Fans can watch Wednesday's match via live stream or follow along with live statistics at iwusports. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Neis Field.