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Men's Soccer Starting 11 Against
0
Illinois Wesleyan IWU (5-7-2, 2-4-0 CCIW)
1
Winner North Park NPU (11-1-1, 4-0-1 CCIW)
Illinois Wesleyan IWU
(5-7-2, 2-4-0 CCIW)
0
Final
1
North Park NPU
(11-1-1, 4-0-1 CCIW)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Illinois Wesleyan IWU 0 0 0
North Park NPU 1 0 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

Men’s Soccer Hangs Tough with No. 6 North Park, Falls 1-0

IWU looks toward home finale on Wednesday

CHICAGO - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team traveled to the Windy City to clash with College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin foe, sixth-ranked, North Park University Saturday evening, Oct. 15 inside of the Holmgren Athletic Complex. NPU earned the narrow 1-0 victory to up its record to 11-1-1 (4-0-1 CCIW) with the win, while IWU's clip slipped to 5-7-2 (2-4 CCIW) with the setback. 

The Titans first chance was in the 16th minute of action as senior Nico Thomas (Rochester Hills, Mich.-Bethany) sent in a shot that was blocked by an NPU defender. The ball was then sent into the air, right by the six-yard box and the Viking keeper leaped to high point the ball. The freshman goalkeeper briefly misplayed the opportunity as two Titans were lurking to jump on the miscue. However, the keeper quickly jumped on the ball to thwart the chance.

North Park cracked the scoreboard in the 26th minute on a 20-yard strike to take the 1-0 advantage just over halfway through the opening frame. 

IWU put together a golden chance in the 40th minute of play. After a heads up switch pass in the Titans offensive third, a nifty cross was sent just on the right of the six and junior Gavin Smith (Seattle, Wash.-Eastside Preparatory School) was on the receiving end of the cross. Smith's ensuing header was sent inches wide of the left post to keep the deficit at 1-0.

As the match reached the intermission period, both teams were tied in the shots department with seven, while each side was credited with one shot on goal. In addition, IWU and NPU both accumulated a trio of corner changes.

Freshman Sam Kedzior (Cary, Ill.-Cary Grove) made his presence known in the 52nd minute with a spectacular sprawling save on an NPU break away to preserve the 1-0 score and to prevent further damage.

IWU was awarded three corner chances in the first nine minutes of the second but could not find the back of the net as the Vikings defensive line held strong.

The middle portion of the second half saw back-and-forth action with both squads controlling possession throughout. 

The Green and White defensive line impressed by thwarting several late NPU charges as the score stood 1-nil heading into the ladder stages of the match.

IWU had a prime chance in the 88th minute, but could not capitalize as the match ended, 1-0, in favor of the home team.

The Titans recorded 16 shots (two on goal), compared to the Vikings 15 shots (six on goal). IWU was awarded nine corners as NPU was credited with four.

Thomas manufactured a team-high four shots. Junior Brody Seaton (Dunlap, Ill.-Peoria Notre Dame) and freshman Joshua Cox (Encinitas, Calif.-Canyon Crest Academy) each produced three shots. 

Kedzior played all 90 minutes in between the posts for the Titans, notching four saves.

The Green and White will complete its home portion of the team's 2022 schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 19 as IWU will welcome Elmhurst University to Neis Field for an important CCIW showdown. First kick is slated for 7 p.m. on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan.

 
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