BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team defeated Knox College, 2-0, in its home opener Saturday, Sept. 12 at Neis Field. The Titans improved to 2-1-1, while Knox slid to 1-3-1.
Junior Ben Lyons (Orland Park, Ill.-Carl Sandburg) had a pair of opportunities to get the Titans on the board early, including a strike on net five minutes in. The IWU offense continued to generate chances, outshooting Knox 14-1 in the first half, with seven shots turned aside, resulting in a scoreless draw at halftime.
In the second period, IWU cashed in on a goal by senior Matthew Perchik (Glenview, Ill.-New Trier) from Lyons in the 50th minute. Within the next five minutes, back-to-back chances from Lyons and freshman Declan Schuler (Peoria, Ill.-Peoria Notre Dame) continued to keep the Knox backline on its toes as the Titans looked for the insurance tally. IWU ultimately fired 35 shots compared to Knox's two, with 16 Titan strikes on target. IWU took 11 corner kicks compared to two for the Prairie Fire.
In the 82nd minute, IWU found the back of the net again, this time from junior Gavin Young (Bloomington, Ill.-Central Catholic), marking his second goal in back-to-back contests. The strike doubled the Titan lead to 2-0 to polish off the scoring.
(Bannockburn, Ill.-Deerfield) led the way with six shots. Lyons closed with five shots and an assist.
The Titans remain home Wednesday, Sept. 16 against Blackburn. The match is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at Neis Field.
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