ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan men's soccer team defeated Augustana College by a final score of 2-0 on Wednesday, Oct. 26. After a scoreless first half of play the Titans added two goals in the second half to knock off the Vikings. 

With a win IWU improved their season record to 8-7-1 and 4-3 in the CCIW. Augustanta fell to 4-12-1 with a conference record of 0-6-1. A win gives the Titans a chance to clinch a conference tournament berth on Saturday when they face fifth-place North Central. Illinois Wesleyan needs one more victory to punch their ticket to the CCIW tournament for the first time since 2012.

Despite not scoring in the first half IWU controlled the action on both sides of the ball. Offensively the Titans recorded nine shots with three placed on goal, while holding a 4-0 advantage on corner kicks. On the defensive side of the ball Illinois Wesleyan held Augustana to two shots, neither of which drew the attention of the goalkeeper.

IWU's offense sealed the deal in the second-half converting for goals on 50 percent of their shots on goal. Freshman Patrick Hickey got things started for the Titans in the 64th minute with his second goal of the season. Hickey's goal was assisted by junior Ryan Kaplan who notched his second assist of the season.

Freshman Orion Marty scored the first goal in his Titan career in the 86th minute to seal victory for the Titans. Marty's goal was assisted by junior Alex White, his first of the season.

Freshman Alex Ruckstaetter earned the win in goal, needing to make one save in 90 minutes to get the win. This marked Ruckstaetter's first complete clean sheet of the season. His record improved to 4-4 in goal with the win.

What's Next?
IWU faces off against North Central on Saturday, Oct. 29 with a conference tournament berth on the line. North Central is currently 3-4 in the CCIW and will hold the tie-breaker over the Titans with a win. Catch all of the senior day action at Neis Field on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m.