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Faheem Mujahid Celebration 10-11-25
ASHTIN ELDER PHOTO
1
North Park NPU (7-4-0, 2-3-0)
2
Winner Ill. Wesleyan IWU (8-2-2, 2-1-0)
North Park NPU
(7-4-0, 2-3-0)
1
Final
2
Ill. Wesleyan IWU
(8-2-2, 2-1-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
North Park NPU 1 0 1
Ill. Wesleyan IWU 0 2 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

Late Goal Gives Men’s Soccer Win Over North Park

Mujahid scores three points in CCIW victory

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team picked up a key College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin victory on Homecoming at Neis Field Saturday, Oct. 11, over North Park University, 2-1. IWU adds another win to its already impressive record, 8-2-2 and 2-1-0 in conference play, while NPU falls to 7-4-0 on the season and 2-3-0 in league play.

Illinois Wesleyan recognized the 30th anniversary of the 1995 men's soccer team prior to the match as part of Homecoming weekend, as members of the team supported the Titans throughout the game. 

In an extremely competitive match throughout, IWU led in shots (19-12) and shots on target (10-6). Senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior (Cary, Ill.-Cary-Grove) captained the strong Illinois Wesleyan defense, recording five saves. Offensively, the Green and White saw an incredibly strong performance from junior Faheem Mujahid (Saint Robert, Mo.-Waynesville) who scored three points, including the go-ahead goal with seven minutes remaining. 

NPU was strong out of the gates, scoring in the second minute of the game. After a diving Kedzior saved the Vikings initial shot attempt, Adam Hamad gathered the rebound and floated the ball above the Titans goalkeeper, giving North Park an early 1-nil advantage. 

The Titans gained a corner kick opportunity and nearly tied up the score in the 20th minute. Senior Jerry Smazil (Downers Grove, Ill.-Downers Grove South) gained possession in the box and headed the ball into the arms of a diving Vikings goalie.

In the 56th minute, junior Matthew Perchik (Glenview, Ill.-New Trier) capitalized on a fast break opportunity. Mujahid kicked the ball ahead to Perchik, who raced his defender downfield. Near the six, the North Park goalkeeper came forward, giving Perchik a scoring lane and tying the game up 1-1. 

IWU had several opportunities to score throughout the second half. Following a free kick in the 65th minute, freshmen Dillion Baker (Coal Valley, Ill.-Moline) and Colby Thomas (O'Fallon, Ill.-Fort Zumwalt North) both created looks at goal, but the Viking goalkeeper made two diving stops to thwart the Titan threat. 

With seven minutes remaining, Jerry Smazil passed ahead Mujahid running towards goal. Mujahid juked his defender in the far corner before making a move towards the middle of the field. Booting it with his left, Mujahid booted the ball past the NPU goalie and put the Green and White up 2-1. 

The Titans hit the road for their next CCIW match Wednesday, Oct. 15. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at Augustana College.
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