Dupage Policy Journal

The 2025 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) men’s soccer season is underway, with North Park University gaining national attention by ranking eighth in the latest NCAA Division III men's soccer poll released by United Soccer Coaches. Denison holds the top spot nationally, followed by Rowan, Emory, SUNY Cortland, and Williams.

North Park has started its campaign undefeated at 4-0-0. Junior defender Kevin Perez leads the Vikings with three goals, including two game-winners. Senior Vidar Rydell has contributed three assists and scored twice against Trine. Goalkeeper Ludvig Almborg has posted a 0.667 goals-against average over 270 minutes and recorded his first shutout in a win over MSOE.

The Vikings lead the CCIW in fewest goals allowed (two total), goal margin (+2.25), and save percentage (.846). Their next match is scheduled for Tuesday at WashU in St. Louis.

Illinois Wesleyan remains unbeaten with a 3-0-1 record and leads the conference in both total goals (13) and points (36). Junior Matthew Perchik has tallied three goals and two assists, while Ben Lyons matches him in points with three goals and two assists as well. Freshman Daniel Smazil scored twice against Blackburn to help secure a win for the Titans, who will host Kalamazoo on Saturday.

Wheaton College also remains without a loss at 2-0-3 this season. Luke Vander Kolk leads Wheaton’s offense with three goals and two assists after earning CCIW Men's Soccer Student-Athlete of the Week honors for his opening performances. Goalkeeper Jack Krahel secured his first shutout of the year against Chicago on Wednesday. The Thunder are set to play Dubuque on Saturday night.

North Central stands at 1-0-3 after four games, ranking second in corner kicks taken (32) and tied for second-fewest goals allowed (four). Freshman Joseph Sargent leads NCC with three early-season goals while Morgan Kurseth netted his first collegiate goal against Knox. Sophomore goalkeeper Daniel Szalai holds a 1.00 GAA through four matches as North Central prepares to face #23 Illinois Tech on Sunday.

Carroll University is off to a winning start at 3-2-0, alternating wins and losses since their opener victory over Benedictine. Freshman Iskander Sharipov tops Carroll’s scoring chart with five goals so far this season—including a hat trick—and Marti Solanelles added two more in their recent win over Marian. Keeper Jason Brunger has made 20 saves across four games played as Carroll continues its road trip Saturday against Colorado College.

Elmhurst University has opened its season at 3-2-1 following victories over Rockford, Dubuque, and Webster. Junior midfielder Caden Sultzbaugh scored both goals in Elmhurst's first win; Jacob Wipke registered game-winning strikes versus Dubuque and Webster; Niyen Ruffin provided five saves for one shutout victory.

Augustana College holds a record of 1-1-2 behind strong defense led by William Gabrielsson’s league-leading .857 save percentage from four games played—totaling seven saves each against Monmouth and Knox—and Jamie K'Otieno's key contributions during their win over Knox last week.

Millikin University notched its first victory last weekend by shutting out Monmouth 5-0 during Senior Night; Olav Kaldahl scored twice early while Christian Smith stopped nine shots en route to being named CCIW Student-Athlete of the Week.

Carthage College continues searching for its first win of the year ahead of Friday's matchup at Loras after opening with an 0-3-1 mark despite notable efforts from goalkeeper Aaron The—who recorded seven saves versus Gustavus Adolphus—and scorers Alfredo Millan and Dennis Valle finding the net during recent contests.