McLean County Times

Illinois Wesleyan University's men's soccer team secured a 3-0 win over Elmhurst University on Saturday, October 18 at Neis Field. The victory marked the team's Senior Day celebration and improved their overall record to 10-2-2, with a conference record of 4-1 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.

Before the match began, Illinois Wesleyan honored its senior players: Peter Basta, Brayden Gehmaehlich, Kalabi Kamau, Sam Kedzior, Nick McCully, Cristian Schmidt, Jerry Smazil, Logan Tierney, and Lucas Tran. This group has contributed to more than 30 wins for the program and helped lead the Titans to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023.

The Titans' offense was active throughout the game with a school-record 37 shots taken. The previous record was set by the 2010 team with 35 shots against MacMurray.

Sophomore Ben Lyons led Illinois Wesleyan's attack with nine shots—a new individual school record. Early in the match, Lyons nearly scored but Elmhurst goalkeeper Niyen Ruffin made a diving save. Elmhurst responded with an attempt that was stopped by Gehmaehlich in goal for IWU.

Freshman Hunter Reinberg connected with Tierney on a throw-in during the first half but Elmhurst's keeper prevented a score. Will Smucker also tested Ruffin late in the half but could not convert.

After halftime, Lyons continued pressing offensively before Illinois Wesleyan broke through around the 61st minute when Perchick’s shot deflected off an Elmhurst defender into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Elmhurst quickly tried to respond but Kedzior made a key diving save to maintain IWU’s advantage. The Titans extended their lead near the 78th minute when Ryder Coleman headed a throw-in toward Lyons who finished for IWU’s second goal.

Reinberg added another goal late in the match after receiving a pass from Tran and scoring on a header. The Titans maintained their shutout as Gehmaehlich played the first half and saved two shots while Kedzior took over in goal for the second period making three saves. With this performance, Kedzior is now one save away from reaching 250 career saves and has tied Alek Ruckstaetter for most wins in program history.

Illinois Wesleyan finished with two assists—one each from Coleman and Tran—and held a significant edge in corner kicks (10-3). The team will play its next matches at North Central College on October 22 and Carroll on October 25 before returning home to face Millikin on October 29 for their final regular season home game.