BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team will open its season in Louisville, Ky., this weekend, Friday-Sunday, Aug. 29-31, at the JR Hoe Invitational hosted by Spalding University. It marks the beginning of the 39th season of Titan soccer.

Illinois Wesleyan's first test will come at 7:45 p.m. ET Friday, Aug. 29 against the tournament host Golden Eagles, before facing Centre College at 5 p.m. ET Sunday, Aug. 31.

Head coach and all-time wins leader (83-78-18) Kyle Schauls will enter his 12th season as the leader of the Titans while Chad Jones will parole the sidelines as an assistant for the third year. Schauls and Jones welcome 17 newcomers, which includes 14 freshmen and three transfers. 

The Green and White return its top two points and goal leaders from last year's team in junior Ryder Coleman (Bannockburn, Ill.-Deerfield) and senior Logan Tierney (Bloomington, Ill.-Normal Community). Coleman led the team with 14 points that came from seven goals a year ago. Tierney registered 13 points, five goals, and dished out three assists. 

Senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior (Normal, Ill.-Normal Community) looks to repeat a strong 2024 season that featured 65 saves and seven shutouts, which placed second in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Kedzior started all 18 matches and recorded a .747 save percentage. 

The Titans return a strong outside back duo in seniors Jerry Smazil (Downers Grove, Ill.-Downers Grove South) and Nick McCully (Peoria, Ill.-Richwoods). Smazil started all 18 games last year and recorded an assist, while McCully started 15 games. The two will serve as team captains for their final season donning the Green and White. 

The Titans and Golden Eagles will meet for the first time in their respective histories. IWU looks for its first win over Centre in its sixth try with the most recent meeting coming in 2009.

A live stream will be available for both contests here, while live stats can be found on the men's soccer page of iwusports.com.