McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team secured the No. 2 seed in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament after a 2-1 victory over Millikin University on Wednesday, October 29. This win grants Illinois Wesleyan a first-round bye into the tournament semifinals for the first time since 2021, improving their overall record to 11-2-4 and conference record to 5-1-2.

Senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior matched his career high with 10 saves during the match, setting a new program record for all-time wins. Kedzior now has 29 career victories, surpassing Alex Ruckstaetter’s previous mark of 28 wins set between 2016 and 2019. He also extended his lead as the program's all-time saves leader.

The game remained scoreless for the opening minutes despite early attempts from senior Jerry Smazil. In the 18th minute, junior Faheem Mujahid initiated an attack down the sideline, passing to sophomore Ben Lyons who then assisted junior Ryder Coleman for Illinois Wesleyan’s first goal.

In the second half, Hunter Reinberg intercepted a clearance and set up Coleman for his second goal of the match in the 51st minute, giving Illinois Wesleyan a two-goal lead. Millikin responded with a goal in the 56th minute but could not find an equalizer as Kedzior made key saves in the closing minutes.

Illinois Wesleyan will next play on Wednesday, November 5 at Neis Field against either North Central College or Carthage College, who face off in a quarterfinal match on Saturday, November 6.