BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Illinois Wesleyan men's soccer team defeated the Carroll University Pioneers in their CCIW opener on Saturday, Oct. 1 by a final score of 1-0. Sophomore Mason Maier scored the lone goal of the game, a header in the second half.
 
With a win, the Titans improved to 5-4-1 (1-0-0) while Carroll fell to 3-7-1 (0-2-0).
 
Neither team found the back of the net in the first, with Carroll holding a shot on goal advantage of 3-to-2. Illinois Wesleyan had more chances off corner kicks, recording six attempts in the first despite being unable to convert. Freshman Patrick Hickey recorded both shots on goal for the Titans.
 
IWU picked up the shooting pace in the second half, forcing the Pioneers to make eight saves. In total, the Titans took 12 shots in the half as opposed to five for Carroll.
 
Maier broke the ice in the 59th minute, scoring on a header after collecting his own rebound. The sophomore had a penalty shot opportunity that was saved, but Maier connected with the ball after it ricocheted off the keeper's gloves to give the Titans a 1-0 lead.
 
Freshman Alex Ruckstaetter improved to 2-2 in goal after providing a shut-out second half. Sophomore Eddie Sanchez started the game in goal, collecting three saves in his 45 minutes of action.
 
What's Next?
Illinois Wesleyan faces off against North Park University next week on Wednesday, Oct. 5 to continue CCIW play. North Park holds a record of 6-2-1 with an impressive 2-0 victory over ranked opponent University of Dubuque. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Neis Field.