McLean County Times

Illinois Wesleyan University's men's soccer team secured a 4-1 victory over North Central College in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament Semifinals on Wednesday night at Neis Field. With this win, the Titans improved their season record to 12-2-4, tying the program's all-time record for most wins in a season, which was previously set in 1995. North Central College ended its season with a 9-2-8 record.

The Titans began aggressively, creating several scoring opportunities early in the match. Junior Ryder Coleman had two attempts on goal in the 14th minute, both saved by North Central's goalkeeper Vincent Sanislao. The Cardinals responded with their own attack in the 15th minute, but Illinois Wesleyan goalkeeper Sam Kedzior made a key save to keep the game scoreless.

As halftime approached, sophomore Elsworth McIntosh sent a cross to Logan Tierney, who scored with just under 17 seconds left in the first half to give Illinois Wesleyan a 1-0 lead.

Early in the second half, North Central equalized with a header from Joris Rijnja off a corner kick in the 49th minute. However, Illinois Wesleyan regained control with two goals: junior Matthew Perchik scored in the 61st minute after beating his defender and shooting past Sanislao; then freshman Daniel Samazil added another goal via a header after an assist from sophomore Gavin Young in the 72nd minute.

Junior Faheem Mujahid scored Illinois Wesleyan's fourth and final goal in the 80th minute following an assist from Ben Lyons. This four-goal performance marked the most goals ever scored by Illinois Wesleyan in postseason play.

"Illinois Wesleyan's four goals in the win are the most by the program in a postseason competition and punched IWU's ticket to the CCIW Tournament Championship. The Titans will host the title match for the first time in program history as the Green and White take on fourth-seeded North Park University Saturday, Nov. 8. Match time is set for 12 p.m."