Illinois Wesleyan University’s men’s soccer team recorded their first College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) victory Sept. 30, against Augustana College. Finishing 3-0, the Titans extended their unbeaten streak to six games.
The week before, the Titans kicked off their conference play, recording a 1-1 draw against North Central on Sept. 26.
The Titans’ success in conference play is marked by a four-game win streak prior to CCIW contests, with their first season win dating back to Sept. 9 against Rockford University. Across the whole season, the team has tallied at least one goal in the past six games.
Of these successes, the Titans had a particularly significant victory Sept. 20 against Monmouth College on the Green and White’s senior day. Securing a shutout victory 4-0, the Titans not only celebrated their seniors, but they also celebrated head coach Kyle Schauls as he earned his 100th win.
“It was a great program day to have the milestone come on Senior Day,” Schauls said, “It was a great day to celebrate the program, where we are at now, and how far we’ve come in the past few years.”
Across 13 seasons, Schauls became the winningest head coach in IWU men’s soccer history, currently sitting at 101 wins.
Junior midfielder Ben Lyons said, “I’m happy for [Coach Schauls] and how he’s helped to turn this program around in the past few years. He deserves his flowers for instilling a sense of brotherhood and passion that carries his team to success.”
In the senior day match, Lyons recorded one goal and one assist, playing a key component in such a significant win. Senior defender Faheem Mujahid capitalized on Lyons’s assist and celebrated his senior day with two goals total.
“I’m happy to see [Faheem] and a few other seniors like Will Eiss back on the field after dealing with some injury issues early on in the season,” Lyons said.
Sophomore midfielder Colby Thomas went on to secure the fourth and final goal of the game.
“Being a senior and knowing this is my last season makes every game special, but being able to contribute to a win on senior day was an incredible feeling,” Mujahid said, “I’ve put a lot of work into this sport over the years, so being able to share that moment with my teammates and fellow seniors made it even better.”
Mujahid’s senior day success was further commemorated as he earned the CCIW Offensive Player of the Week honor, giving the Titans more reason to celebrate. Not only was this Mujahid’s first CCIW honor, but it was also the first offensive player of the week recognition for the team since Mustafa Bakirdan in 2024.
“It’s a blessing,” Mujahid said, “especially receiving this recognition during my senior year and after such a meaningful game.”
The team’s strong start is characterized by national rankings across Division III schools. The Titans currently sit second in the nation for shots per game and are tied for seventh in shutout percentage.
“The team works really hard in the offseason,” Schauls said, “I believe that our work ethic in January and February has a lot to do with our performance in September and October.”
Looking ahead, the Titans continue their conference competition Wednesday, Oct. 7 against Elmhurst College. Undefeated on Neis Field, the Green and White will look to continue that trend as they defend home turf at 7 p.m.
Illinois Wesleyan University’s men’s soccer team recorded their first College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) victory Sept. 30, against Augustana College.
Finishing 3-0, the Titans extended their unbeaten streak to six games.
The week before, the Titans kicked off their conference play, recording a 1-1 draw against North Central on Sept. 26.
Currently 5-1-2, the Titans’ success in conference play is marked by a four-game win streak prior to CCIW contests, with their first season win dating back to Sept. 9 against Rockford University.
Across the whole season, the team has tallied at least one goal in the past six games.
Of these successes, the Titans had a particularly significant victory Sept. 20 against Monmouth College on the Green and White’s senior day.
Securing a shutout victory 4-0, the Titans not only celebrated their seniors, but they also celebrated head coach Kyle Schauls as he earned his 100th win.
“It was a great program day to have the milestone come on Senior Day,” Schauls said, “It was a great day to celebrate the program, where we are at now, and how far we’ve come in the past few years.”
Across 13 seasons, Schauls became the winningest head coach in IWU men’s soccer history, currently sitting at 101 wins.
Junior midfielder Ben Lyons said, “I’m happy for [Coach Schauls] and how he’s helped to turn this program around in the past few years. He deserves his flowers for instilling a sense of brotherhood and passion that carries his team to success.”
In the senior day match, Lyons recorded one goal and one assist, playing a key component in such a significant win.
Senior defender Faheem Mujahid capitalized on Lyons’s assist and celebrated his senior day with two goals total.
“I’m happy to see [Faheem] and a few other seniors like Will Eiss back on the field after dealing with some injury issues early on in the season,” Lyons said.
Sophomore midfielder Colby Thomas went on to secure the fourth and final goal of the game.
Remarking on his outstanding performace, Mujahid said, “being a senior and knowing this is my last season makes every game special, but being able to contribute to a win on senior day was an incredible feeling.
“I’ve put a lot of work into this sport over the years, so being able to share that moment with my teammates and fellow seniors made it even better.”
Mujahid’s senior day success was further commemorated as he earned the CCIW Offensive Player of the Week honor, giving the Titans more reason to celebrate. Not only was this Mujahid’s first CCIW honor, but it was also the first offensive player of the week recognition for the team since Mustafa Bakirdan in 2024.
“It’s a blessing,” Mujahid said, “especially receiving this recognition during my senior year and after such a meaningful game.”
The team’s strong start is characterized by national rankings across Division III schools. The Titans currently sit second in the nation for shots per game and are tied for seventh in shutout percentage.
“The team works really hard in the offseason,” Schauls said, “I believe that our work ethic in January and February has a lot to do with our performance in September and October.”
Looking ahead, the Titans continue their conference competition Wednesday, Oct. 7 against Elmhurst College. Undefeated on Neis Field, the Green and White will look to continue that trend as they defend home turf at 7 p.m.
