Illinois Wesleyan University Men's Soccer Team Hosts Illinois College in Key Matchup

Strategic Insights -

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team is set to host Illinois College on September 17, with the Titans looking to extend their unbeaten record to 5-0-1. The team is coming off a strong week, winning 4-1 against Blackburn College and 1-0 against Kalamazoo College. Sophomore midfielder Ben Lyons has emerged as a key player, leading the team in points, goals, and assists, including two game-winning goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team is set to host Illinois College on September 17, with the Titans looking to extend their unbeaten record to 5-0-1.
  • Ben Lyons, a sophomore midfielder, has emerged as a key player, leading the team in points, goals, and assists, including two game-winning goals.
  • The defense has started four games, giving up only four goals and recording seven shutouts, including senior Sam Kedzior's first shutout of the season.
  • Illinois College enters the match 4-1-1, led by sophomore midfielder Oscar Liogon-Arenas, who leads the team in points, goals, and assists.
  • Senior goalkeeper TJ Esseily has started all four games, giving up just two goals and stopping 26 shots, with a .889 save percentage.
  • The two teams have a history in the matchup, with Illinois Wesleyan leading the series 9-3-1 through 13 matches, including a 0-0 double-overtime draw in 2024.

Statistics:

  • 5-0-1: Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team's current unbeaten record.
  • 10: Ben Lyons' points, which leads the team.
  • 4: Ben Lyons' goals, which also leads the team.
  • 2: Ben Lyons' assists.
  • 4 goals: The number of goals the defense has given up in four games.
  • 7: Number of shutouts recorded by the defense.
  • 4-1-1: Illinois College's record.
  • 13: The number of matches in the history of the matchup between Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois College.
  • 9-3-1: Illinois Wesleyan University's lead in the series against Illinois College.
  • 2024: The year of the last 0-0 double-overtime draw between the two teams.

Sources:

  • "Men's Soccer Hosts Illinois College on September 17." Illinois Wesleyan University Athletics, [Website].
  • "Men's Soccer: Titans Take on Blue Boys at Home." Illinois Wesleyan University Athletics, [Website].