BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- The Illinois Wesleyan men's soccer team earned their first victory of the season on Saturday, defeating University of Dubuque by a final score fo 3-1 from Neis Field. IWU scored a trio of goals in the first half to send the Spartans packing. Illinois Wesleyan is now 3-3 in their all-time series against the Spartans.

With a win the Titans improved to 1-2-1 on the season. Dubuque fell to 2-1-0 with a loss.

Sophomore Doug Ballard opened the scoring for IWU in the 9th minute, scoring on a ball that was deflected back to him following a corner kick from senior Ryan Kaplan. Later on in the half, junior Mason Maier converted on a ball bouncing around in the box following a corner kick from Ballard to give the Titans a 2-0 lead. Sophomore Orion Marty capped off the Titans scoring with a strike 41st minute.

Illinois Wesleyan out-shot Dubuque 15-4 in the first half with nine shots falling on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Alex Ruckstaetter needed to make just two saves in his 45 minutes of action.

Senior Isaac Albracht, junior Blake Tempel, sophomore Justin Yaeger, and freshman Keagan James also recorded shots on goal during Saturday afternoon's contest.

University of Dubuque got on the board in the 60th minute after Edvin Loefren slotted home the free kick service from Chris Rigby.

Freshman Joe Johnson saw his first action in goal for the Titans, allowing one goal in 45 minutes of play. Spartan goalkeeper Pat Openchowski was handed the loss after allowing three goals and making six saves. His replacement, Brandon White, made two saves and allowed no goals in 45 minutes of play.

What's Next?

The Titans travel to Monmouth, Ill. on Thursday, September 14 for a 4:00 pm meeting with the Monmouth College Scots. Monmouth currently holds a record of 0-3, but will face-off with University of Dubuque on Sunday, September 10 prior to their meeting with the Titans. Illinois Wesleyan is 13-3-3 against the Scots in their all-time series, including a 0-0 (2OT) tie last season.