McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team secured its second College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament Championship on Saturday, November 8, at Neis Field. The Titans, seeded second in the tournament, defeated fourth-seeded North Park University 1-0. This win marks a new program record for Illinois Wesleyan with their 13th victory of the season.

Illinois Wesleyan began the match aggressively. In the opening minutes, junior Faheem Mujahid attempted to score but was unable to convert after multiple tries near the goal line due to a foul call.

North Park responded with pressure in the 12th minute when Mathias Soerum's shot was stopped by senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior. Kedzior made another save moments later to keep the game scoreless.

The only goal came in the 22nd minute from junior Joey Rodino, who scored his fourth goal of the season. The play started with a bicycle kick by sophomore Ben Lyons near midfield that found sophomore Elsworth McIntosh just outside the box. McIntosh’s cross led to a handball by North Park, resulting in a penalty kick. Rodino converted from seven yards out, placing his shot into the left corner and giving Illinois Wesleyan a 1-0 lead.

North Park created several chances late in the match as they sought an equalizer. Kedzior and the Titans' defense held firm, with Kedzior making crucial saves—including one with just 15 seconds remaining—to preserve both his fifth shutout of the season and ensure victory for Illinois Wesleyan.

Kedzior matched his career-high with 10 saves during the match—a mark he previously set against Millikin on October 29—and recorded his 16th career shutout. North Park had ten shots on target compared to eight for Illinois Wesleyan.

With this win, Illinois Wesleyan receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III National Championship tournament. The team will learn its first-round opponent during Monday’s NCAA Tournament selection show at 11:30 a.m. ET.

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