WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Carroll University men's soccer team battled Illinois Wesleyan through a scoreless opening 45 minutes Saturday afternoon before the Titans pulled away in the second half, handing the Pioneers a 2-0 CCIW loss at Schneider Stadium. The result moves Carroll to 4-9-1 overall and 2-3-1 in conference play.
Carroll matched Illinois Wesleyan throughout the opening half, with each side recording five shots. The Pioneers generated four corner kicks to the Titans' one and put two attempts on frame while keeping Illinois Wesleyan without a shot on goal.
Nathan Patzer provided Carroll's first shot on target in the 39th minute, forcing a save from Illinois Wesleyan goalkeeper Owen Boukalik. Three minutes later, Max Pusic tested Boukalik again, but the match remained scoreless heading into halftime.
The Titans began to apply more pressure after the break. Angel Escamilla made consecutive saves on Gavin Young and Ben Lyons in the 56th minute to preserve the scoreless tie, but Illinois Wesleyan eventually broke through at the 61:06 mark when Declan Schuler scored off an assist from Hunter Reinberg.
Carroll continued searching for the equalizer, with Christian Meraz having an attempt blocked in the 80th minute before Pablo Segura Larraz saw another shot blocked in the 86th. Illinois Wesleyan added an insurance goal with just 12 seconds remaining as Matthew Perchik scored off an assist from Ben Lyons to secure the 2-0 final.
The Pioneers finished with seven shots, including two on goal, while Illinois Wesleyan recorded 20 shots and eight on target. Carroll held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks. Escamilla finished the afternoon with six saves in 90 minutes.
Carroll will step away from CCIW play Wednesday when the Pioneers travel to UW-Whitewater for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
