Illinois Wesleyan

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team closed out its regular season with a dominant, 6-2, win over Wheaton College, Saturday, Oct. 24 at Neis Field. The Titans (8-2-3, 4-1-2 CCIW) steamrolled past the Thunder (5-8-3, 3-2-2 CCIW) scoring the most goals since Sept. 7, 2022. 

The Titans were led by five points from junior Gavin Young (Bloomington, Ill.-Central Catholic), who was credited with two goals and an assist. Senior Faheem Mujahid (Saint Robert, Mo.-Waynesville) and Ben Lyons (Orland Park, Ill.-Carl Sandburg) followed with four points apiece. Mujahid notched a brace, while Lyons scored once and assisted on two others. 

In net, senior Owen Boukalik (Northville, Mich.-Northville) and sophomore Reid Monken (Terre Haute, Ind.-Terre Haute North Virgo) combined for six saves. Boukalik made four stops with one goal allowed, while Monken notched two saves in 20 minutes between the pipes.

Illinois Wesleyan's offense wasted no time,getting on the board early. In the 11th minute, a pass by freshman Declan Schuler (Peoria, Ill.-Peoria Notre Dame) found its way to the boot of Young for a 1-nil lead.

Ten minutes later, Young flicked the ball up Lyons for a 2-nil advantage. The Green and White did not stop there, putting up goals by Daniel Smazil (Downers Grove, Ill.-Downers Grove South) and Mujahid to carry a 4-nil cushion into halftime. 

The Titans and Thunder each tallied two goals apiece over the final 45. Young secured a brace four minutes in with assists by Schuler and Lyons and Mujahid followed with a goal off Smazil's helper in the 72nd minute.

IWU's high-scoring showing gave the Titans their most goals since picking up a 6-3 win at Monmouth Sept. 7, 2022. Additionally, it is the most goals scored at home by Illinois Wesleyan since a 6-0 victory over Millikin Oct. 12, 2011. 

The Titans will await College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin tournament seeding. Times and dates will be announced following Wednesday's matches. For ticket information and live coverage access of the tournament, visit CCIW.com.