McLean County Times

Senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior reached a significant milestone during the Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team's 1-1 draw against North Central College on Wednesday, October 22, in Naperville, Illinois. With this result, Illinois Wesleyan's record stands at 10-2-3 overall and 4-1-1 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), securing their place in the upcoming CCIW Tournament. North Central remains at 7-1-7 overall and 4-0-4 in conference play.

Kedzior made his 250th career save in the match, becoming the first player in program history to reach this number. He recorded four additional saves during the game. Early in the match, Kedzior stopped a header aimed for the top right corner nine minutes into play. One minute later, he denied Marco Costabile from close range with a diving stop that marked his milestone save.

North Central created an early chance with a header that hit the top of the post. Shortly after, Illinois Wesleyan responded with an opportunity from a throw-in. Freshman Hunter Reinberg provided a pass that junior Ryder Coleman headed toward goal. After bouncing off the post, junior Matthew Perchik found junior Joey Rodino in front of goal, who scored for Illinois Wesleyan.

Freshman Daniel Smazil threatened again for Illinois Wesleyan but was stopped by North Central's goalkeeper. In the 34th minute, Costabile assisted Joseph Sargent—who leads the conference in goals—to tie the match at one.

In the second half, both teams traded chances. Coleman missed wide for Illinois Wesleyan while North Central continued to press offensively. Sargent had another opportunity midway through the period but missed just wide under pressure from senior co-captain Nick McCully. Kedzior handled additional shots as North Central maintained its attack.

Illinois Wesleyan created more opportunities late in regulation. Daniel Smazil delivered a cross that narrowly missed connecting with Perchik inside the box. In the final minute, senior co-captain Jerry Smazil fired a shot after collecting a rebound but sent it wide of goal. The last moments saw Illinois Wesleyan's attempts blocked by North Central's defense to preserve the draw.

Illinois Wesleyan finished with 16 shots compared to North Central’s 15; however, North Central placed six shots on target to Illinois Wesleyan’s five.

Illinois Wesleyan will next travel to Carroll University for its final road match of the regular season at Schneider Stadium in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff and will follow immediately after a women's team fixture.