Freshman Hunter Reinberg heads a ball in the air against Kalamazoo on Sept. 13

ASHTIN ELDER PHOTO

Men’s Soccer Awaits Illinois College for Midweek Matchup

Kickoff at Neis Field is set for 5 p.m.

9/16/2025 10:00:00 AM

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team is set to host Illinois College for the second game of a five-game homestand, Wednesday Sept. 17. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m at Neis Field.

Illinois Wesleyan puts its unbeaten 4-0-1 record on the line against Illinois College who enters with a 4-1-1 mark. IWU comes off a 2-0 week after a 4-1 win over Blackburn College and a 1-nil shutout victory over Kalamazoo College.

Sophomore midfielder Ben Lyons (Orland Park, Ill-Carl Sandburg) has emerged as the go-to-guy on the offensive side of the ball for the Titans. The Orland Park, Ill. native leads the team in points (10), goals (4), and shares the lead in assists with two. Lyons is the owner of two game-winning goals, including Saturday against the Hornets.

The defense has continued its success from the start of the season, on the backs of senior captain Nick McCully (Peoria, Ill.-Notre Dame), senior Kalabi Kamau (Alpharetta, Ga.), and junior Jackson Colman (Pfluegerville, Texas). Together, the trio has started four games, giving up four goals during the span. The defense has continued to stay compacted, effecting opponents looks and limiting goals.

After recording seven shutouts a year ago, senior Sam Kedzior (Cary, Ill-Cary Grove) shut the door on Kalamazoo for his first of the season. The Hornets fired four shots at Kedzior, with two landing on net and in the hands of the Titans goalkeeper.

Illinois College enters the match 4-1-1,with its lone loss coming to WashU. IWU will look to stymie the BlueBoys three game win streak, which has featured 15 goals over the run.

IC is led by sophomore midfielder Oscar Liogon-Arenas who leads the team in points (13), goals (5), and assists (3). Senior goalkeeper TJ Esseily has started all four games between the pipes. He has given up just two goals, and stopped 26 shots to the tune to a .889 save percentage.

In the history of the matchup, which dates back to 1986, Illinois Wesleyan leads the series 9-3-1, through 13 matches. The last time the two foes met on Tuesday, Oct. 5 2024, they played to a 0-0 draw in a double-overtime game.

Saturday's match at Neis Field will kickoff at 5 p.m. A live stream and live stats will be available at iwusports.com.

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