The Illinois Wesleyan men’s soccer team faced off against the Illinois College Blueboys last Wednesday, September 17, at Neis Field.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams snagging one goal in opposite halves.
This match upped Illinois Wesleyan’s undefeated streak to 5-0-2.
The Titans started out with the momentum, with two shots from sophomore midfielder Joey Rodino and junior forward Ryder Coleman putting the pressure on the Blueboys.
Rodino’s attempt was a near goal that snuck past Illinois College’s goalkeeper, but multiple defenders played cleanup on the shot. Coleman broke past his defender but overshot and sent the ball over the goal.
Sophomore midfielder Ben Lyons got Titan’s first goal with an airborne kick straight past Illinois College’s goalkeeper.
Lyons has scored in every game this season but one and holds the team’s season scoring record with five goals.
This game’s goal came from an assist from sophomore defender Blye Brickman.
Illinois College attempted to battle back, but senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior kept them out of the goal.
Kedzior accrued a season-high six blocks, including a near goal from the Blueboys right before halftime.
After halftime, Illinois College managed to sneak one goal past Kedzior but ran out of luck after that. The Titans answered the goal with dominant defense.
Two of Kedzior’s six saves came in the second half, the team grabbed another save, and the Blueboys’ last shot was forced out of the pitch.
IWU bested the Blueboys in corner kicks, with five compared to Illinois College’s two.
The draw adds to Illinois Wesleyan’s 1-1-2 record against Illinois College. The two teams will not face each other again during regular season play.
Next week on September 24, Illinois Wesleyan will host Eureka College.
The Titans have only faced Eureka once and came away with the victory last season.
The match is set to start at 5 p.m. at Neis Field.
