McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's soccer team lost 4-2 to North Park University in a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) match on Saturday, October 11. The game took place during Illinois Wesleyan's homecoming in Bloomington, Illinois.

With this result, Illinois Wesleyan's record stands at 5-6-2 overall and 0-2-1 in conference play. North Park improved to 7-6-0 overall and remains undefeated in the CCIW with a 4-0-0 record.

North Park led the Titans in both total shots (16 to 15) and shots on target (10 to 6). Illinois Wesleyan sophomore goalkeeper Vanessa Gray made five saves during her time on the field.

North Park opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Hannah Björkegren scored after a throw-in by Illinois Wesleyan. In the second half, Titan junior Ava Mapes set up an opportunity for sophomore Taylor Haun, but Haun missed narrowly.

Sofia Svensson doubled North Park’s lead in the 59th minute following a one-on-one chance. Less than ten minutes later, Ellen Dahlquist scored from 25 yards out for Illinois Wesleyan after receiving a header from Bree Corday, bringing the score to 2-1.

North Park responded with two more goals in the second period, increasing their lead to 4-1. With under two minutes left in regulation, Ava Mapes scored for Illinois Wesleyan after receiving a pass from senior Kayley Carew, making it 4-2. However, North Park maintained control for the remainder of the match.

Illinois Wesleyan will host Augustana College next on Wednesday, October 15 at Neis Field. The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.