JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — The Illinois Wesleyan men's soccer team opened its season with a scoreless draw against Illinois College, Tuesday, Sept. 1. The Titans created opportunities, but were held to a 0-0 finish.
The Green and White did not hesitate to get the ball going as it garnered its first corner kick in the first three minutes of the contest. However, Illinois College found itself with the first shot of the night high off the post. The Titans were quick to shake off the Blueboys attempt as IWU saw three shot attempts in row by sophomore Will Smucker (Park Ridge, Ill.-Maine South) and Hunter Reinberg (Washington, Mo.-St. Francis Borgia).
Illinois Wesleyan's defense continued to hold off Illinois College's attempts in the box as junior Ben Lyons (Orland Park, Ill.-Carl Sandburg) saw his first shot blocked in the 28th minute. Lyons kept knocking minutes later, but his shot missed just high.
In the Titans' final push, sophomore Dillon Baker (Coal Valley, Ill.-Moline) gained possession deep in the Blueboys' box. The shot was wide, leaving the contest 0-0 going into the halftime break.
The Titans maintained the majority of the possession in the first half as they held the Blueboys to just three shot attempts compared to their eight.
Senior captain Ryder Coleman (Bannockburn, Ill.-Deerfield) fired off a shot in the 55th minute, but IC's goalkeeper turned it away. The Blueboys countered for a shot attempt of their own but was quickly saved.
Numerous free kicks for each team followed over the final 35 minutes with the two teams pressing for the go-ahead goal. Illinois Wesleyan drew a free kick in the 89th minute and delivered a shot on frame, but the Blueboys keeper made the save to close out the draw.
The Titans continue on the road as they faceoff against Wabash College Saturday, Sept. 5 in Crawfordsville, Ind. IWU will kickoff at 3 p.m. CT. Coverage information can be accessed here.
