NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team tied, 1-1, with North Central College in its College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener Saturday, Sept. 26 at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The Green and White sits at 4-1-2 while the Cardinals move to 6-2-2.
The Titans came out strong with a shot by senior Matthew Perchik (Glenview, Ill.-New Trier) that just missed the crossbar. North Central and Illinois Wesleyan had intense back-and-forth exchanges before the Cardinals broke through in the Titans' territory in the 25th minute to make it 1-0.
The Green and White didn't back down as junior Blye Brickman (Edwardsville, Ill.-Edwardsville) scored to tie the game, 1-1, five minutes later. IWU looked to take the upper hand before the end of the first half with a shot by sophomore Daniel Smazil (Downers Grove, Ill.-Downers Grove South), but it was saved by NCC.
The Titans had nine shots, four on target, compared to North Central's five with two on target to end the first half.
The Green and White looked to break the draw in the second half with opportunities by freshman Aidan Byrne (Mokena, Ill.-Lincoln-Way Central) and junior Ben Lyons (Orland Park, Ill.-Carl Sandburg). However, the North Central defense kept IWU's opportunities limited.
It was a physical battle between the Titans and Cardinals for possession. Junior Dillon Tierney (Bloomington, Ill.-Normal Community) tried to break the deadlock in the 75th minute, but his chance hit the crossbar.
The Titans ended with 15 shots, seven on target, compared to the Cardinals' seven shots, three on frame. Both teams saw four corner kicks each and senior Owen Boukalik (Northville, Mich. Northville) had two saves while NCC had six.
The Titans welcome Augustana College Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at Neis Field. Live coverage of the contest can be accessed here.
