McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against Carroll University in a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) match held Wednesday night in Waukesha, Wisconsin. With this result, the Titans maintain a record of 10-2-4 overall and 4-1-2 in conference play, securing their position in the upcoming CCIW Tournament. Carroll University concludes its conference schedule at 3-4-1 and stands at 6-8-2 overall as it awaits further results to determine postseason participation.

Both teams managed only four shots on target combined, with each side recording two. Sam Kedzior, Illinois Wesleyan’s senior goalkeeper and all-time saves leader for the program, registered one save and conceded one goal during the first half. The game was marked by physical play, with both squads combining for 22 fouls.

Illinois Wesleyan took the lead in the 31st minute following a sequence initiated by freshman Hunter Reinberg. After earning a throw-in near goal, Reinberg regained possession outside the penalty area and sent the ball toward goal. Senior Logan Tierney headed it into the box where a Carroll defender inadvertently put it into his own net.

Carroll responded less than ten minutes later when Nathan Patzner moved past Illinois Wesleyan’s defense along the sideline and passed to Marti Solanelles, who scored to tie the game.

In the second half, Illinois Wesleyan appeared to have taken back the lead in the 60th minute when Joey Rodino crossed from near the far corner and Ryder Coleman headed it into goal. However, an official ruled that a foul had occurred on Illinois Wesleyan during the play and disallowed what would have been Coleman's go-ahead score.

During a tense finish, Illinois Wesleyan generated three corner kicks and five shot attempts in the final ten minutes but was unable to convert any opportunities as time expired with both teams tied at one.

Illinois Wesleyan will conclude its regular season at home against Millikin University on Wednesday, October 29. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Neis Field in Bloomington, Illinois.