BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team is set to welcome Knox College Saturday, Sept. 12 for its home opener at Neis Field. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. The contest will also serve as the program's "Play for a T1D Cure" match.

Saturday's game is being played to raise awareness to people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This season, the men's soccer team has partnered with Breakthrough T1D to raise funds to help T1D research and those affected by T1D. 

The Titans clinched their first win of the season Wednesday, Sept. 9 in Rockford, Ill. against Rockford University. IWU beat the Regents 3-0 to advance 1-1-1 on the season. The Green and White held Rockford to just one shot the whole contest. Gavin Young (Bloomington, Ill–Central Catholic) gave the Titans their first goal followed by career firsts for Alexis Ramirez (Geneva, Ill. – Geneva) and Dillon Tierney (Bloomington, Ill. – Normal Community). Sage Mullen (Delano, Minn. – Delano) assisted Tierney for his first career assist. 

The Titans hold the overall series against Knox 11-3-1. IWU holds firm at home against the Prairie Fire as it holds an 8-1 record. Knox ended last season with a 7-5-4 and 3-4-1 Midwest Conference record. Knox is currently 1-2-1 to start its 2026 season dropping contests against Rockford and Dominican University. The Prairie Fire's lone win is against future College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin member Concordia University (Wis.). Knox returns Second Team All-Midwest Conference selection Ethan Thomas back into its lineup this season. 

The Green and White will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Live coverage and information on how to donate to Breakthrough T1D can be accessed here.