WAUKESHA, Wis. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team won its third straight game with a 2-1 victory at Carroll University Saturday, Oct. 23. With the win, the Titans jumped their record to 5-7-1 overall, but more importantly 4-2-0 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. IWU now sits third in the league standings with one week to go in the regular season, while Carroll fell to 8-6-1 overall and 1-4-1 in CCIW play.
A fairly even match saw the Pioneers produce a slight 10-9 edge in shots, with each team recording three shots on target. Freshman Ethan Fineman (Highland Park, Ill.-Highland Park) earned the win in goal, as he made two saves.
Illinois Wesleyan gained possession around midfield and eventually got the ball to senior Zack Kokes (Naperville, Ill.-Naperville Central) up top, who took on his offender and drew a foul in the box in the 15th minute. Jokes buried the PK for his team-best sixth goal of the season.
Less than seven minutes later, IWU was on the attack again. Freshman Gavin Smith (Seattle, Wash.-Eastside Preparatory School) saw his pass deflect back to him, where he collected the ball and blasted an insurance goal inside the near post from 20 yards out.
Illinois Wesleyan's 2-0 lead stood into the final minutes of the game, before Carroll broke through for a goal with less than four minutes left in regulation. The late push by the Pioneers was too little too late though, as the Titans left Schneider Stadium victorious, 2-1.
The Green and White continue CCIW play with a midweek matchup against Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. Wednesday night, Oct. 27. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
