BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team battled back from an early deficit to top Aurora University 3-1 in the Titans' home opener at Neis Field Wednesday night, Sept. 4.
 
The Titans benefited from goals by freshman Jonathan Vang (Elk Grove, Calif.-Cosumnes Oaks HS), and seniors Patrick Hickey (Des Plaines, Ill.-St. Viator HS) and Logan Alexander (Geneseo, Ill.-Geneseo HS) to come-from-behind and edge the Spartans. With the win Illinois Wesleyan is now 2-1-0 on the year.
 
Aurora capitalized on a free kick opportunity in the 11th minute to go up 1-nil in the early goings, but IWU evened the score just before the half. A Spartans miscue led to a takedown in the box and a Titan penalty kick. Vang netted the first goal of his IWU career with the PK, leaving the game tied 1-1 at the break.
 
Senior Orion Marty (Addison, Texas-Greenhill School) drew a free kick in front of the Spartan bench minutes into the second period to set up the game-winning strike. Serving up a ball to the top of the six, Hickey heads it home to put Titans up 2-1 in the 54th minute.
 
Illinois Wesleyan tacked on an insurance goal in the waning minutes as Alexander punched in a rebound on the goal line with just over one minute to go to seal the Titans' 3-1 victory.
 
IWU looks for its third straight win Saturday, Sept. 7, when the Titans take on Lake Forest. The match is slated for 3 p.m.