BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team routed Elmhurst University 4-0, Wednesday, Oct, 7 at Neis Field to remain undefeated at home. The Titans rise to 6-1-2 (2-0-1 CCIW) and 5-0 at home with the win. The Bluejays fall to 4-5-2 (1-2 CCIW) with the result.
The Green and White came out with its foot on the gas, resulting in an early strike. Just five minutes in, junior Ben Lyons (Orland Park, Ill.-Carl Sandburg) found freshman Declan Schuler (Peoria, Ill.-Peoria Notre Dame) to put Illinois Wesleyan up, 1-nil.
IWU dominated the midfield, leading to numerous opportunities in Bluejays territory. After a couple of touches in the box, senior Ryder Coleman (Bannockburn, Ill.-Deerfield) bounced one to junior Blye Brickman (Edwardsville, Ill.-Edwardsville) to double the lead to 2-nil.
The Bluejays tried to create chances but Illinois Wesleyan's strong defense led by senior Jackson Colman (Pflugerville, Texas -Cedar Park) stymied the visitors.
In the 44th minute, Brickman took a free kick which was blocked by Elmhurst, but sophomore Daniel Smazil (Downers Grove, Ill.-Downers Grove South) found the rebound to give the Titans a 3-nil advantage going into the second half.
IWU held an 11 shot advantage over the Bluejays in the first half. The Titans saw nine corner kicks, while Elmhurst was kept to none.
The Titans followed their strong start in the first half with another in the second. Senior Matthew Perchik (Glenview, Ill.,-New Trier) delivered a deep ball into the net five minutes after halftime for insurance to extend the lead to 4-nil.
Senior goalkeeper Owen Boukalik (Northville, Mich.-Northville) and sophomore Reid Monken (Terre Haute, Ind.-Terre Haute North Virgo) grabbed IWU's seventh shutout of the season. The Titans ended with 24 shots, 10 on target, compared to Elmhurst's seven shots (2 SOG).
The Titans travel to No. 22 North Park University Saturday, Oct. 10. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. following the conclusion of the women's contest. Live coverage of the event can be accessed here.
