McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team secured a 2-1 victory over North Park University during a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) match on Saturday, October 11. The game, held at Neis Field as part of the university’s Homecoming weekend, improved IWU’s season record to 8-2-2 overall and 2-1-0 in conference play. North Park now stands at 7-4-0 for the season and 2-3-0 in league matches.

Prior to kickoff, Illinois Wesleyan recognized the 30th anniversary of its 1995 men’s soccer team. Members of that squad attended the match in support of the current Titans team.

The contest was competitive from start to finish. IWU led in total shots with a count of 19 compared to North Park's 12, and also had more shots on target, recording ten against six by their opponents. Senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior captained the defense and tallied five saves during the match.

North Park opened scoring early when Adam Hamad converted a rebound in the second minute following an initial save by Kedzior. Despite several opportunities for IWU to equalize before halftime—including a header from senior Jerry Smazil—the Titans remained behind until junior Matthew Perchik scored off a pass from Faheem Mujahid in the 56th minute, leveling the score at one goal apiece.

In the second half, Illinois Wesleyan continued pressing offensively but was denied twice by diving saves from North Park’s goalkeeper after attempts by freshmen Dillion Baker and Colby Thomas.

With seven minutes left on the clock, Smazil found Mujahid advancing toward goal. Mujahid maneuvered past his defender near the far corner before moving centrally and striking with his left foot to give IWU a decisive lead.

Illinois Wesleyan will travel for its next CCIW matchup against Augustana College on Wednesday, October 15 at 7 p.m.