CHICAGO – The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team finished in a scoreless deadlock with No. 22 North Park University Saturday, Oct. 10 at Holmgren Athletic Complex. The Titans (6-1-3, 2-0-2 CCIW) held off the Vikings (9-1-3, 3-0-1 CCIW) in a nil-nil draw.
The Green and White showed energy, pushing the limits on the nationally-ranked Vikings from the start. Despite NPU having two shots, IWU found its footing with a close shot by freshman Declan Schuler (Peoria, Ill.-Peoria Notre Dame).
In a grueling battle in the midfield, the Green and White kept knocking on the Vikings' door with shots by Schuler and senior Ryder Coleman (Bannockburn, Ill.-Deerfield) but were kept off the board into the break.
IWU had the upper hand with nine shots, two on goal, compared to NPU's four, two on target. The Titans earned six corner kicks while the Vikings were held to none.
IWU came out quick with a shot by junior Gavin Young (Bloomington, Ill.-Central Catholic), but was saved by North Park's Melker Regland. However, the Vikings quickly turned around for a shot of their own, but it was saved by senior Owen Boukalik (Northville, Mich.-Northville).
Illinois Wesleyan's front line kept pushing, but North Park's defense stood strong in its defensive territory. Classmates Faheem Mujahid (Saint Roberts, Mo.-Waynesville) and Coleman mounted their chances to put the Titans on the board, but both were blocked.
With the clock going into the final minute, the Vikings pushed to break the deadlock, but the Titans came up with a timely block to preserve the draw.
The Green and White ended with 15 shots, three on target, while the Vikings had nine shots with three on target. Boukalik and NPU's Regland ended with three saves apiece. This is the eighth shutout for the Titans with Boukalik adding his fifth.
The Titans continue College Conference of Illinois Wisconsin play at Neis Field Wednesday, Oct. 14 against Millikin University. Live coverage can be accessed here.
