Dupage Policy Journal

As the College Conference of Wisconsin and Illinois (CCIW) men's soccer regular season nears its end, teams across the league are vying for postseason positions with only a few matches remaining.

Wheaton College has secured the outright regular-season conference title, boasting a 7-0-0 record in league play and extending its winning streak to eight games. The Thunder, who are 11-2-3 overall, have not lost since September 20. They lead the conference in total points (103) and goals scored (35) through 16 games, and have recorded seven shutouts, the best defensive mark in the league. Wheaton's Luke Vander Kolk is second in the CCIW in both total points (27) and goals (12), while goalkeeper Jack Krahel leads all conference goalkeepers with seven shutouts and 59 saves. The Thunder will conclude their regular season against North Central next Wednesday.

Illinois Wesleyan University sits in second place with a 10-2-3 overall record and a 4-1-1 mark in the conference. The Titans are on a four-match unbeaten streak and recently played to a 1-1 draw with North Central. They share the conference lead in total points with Wheaton and lead in goals per game (2.27), total assists (35), and assists per game (2.33). Defensively, Illinois Wesleyan has the top goals-against average in the CCIW (0.93), allowing just 14 goals in 15 matches. Goalkeeper Sam Kedzior leads the league in goals-against average (0.98) and recently became the first player in program history to record 250 career saves. Ben Lyons leads the conference in total shots, and Ryder Coleman is third in assists. The Titans will play Carroll on Saturday.

North Central College is in third place with a 7-1-7 overall record and a 3-0-3 mark in the CCIW. The Cardinals are on a nine-match unbeaten run and lead the league in total shots (307) and shots per game (20.47). Freshman Joseph Sargent leads the conference in both goals (13) and points (27), while Marco Costabile tops the CCIW with 10 assists. Goalkeeper Daniel Szalai has a 1.08 goals-against average and five shutouts. North Central will face North Park on Saturday.

North Park University holds fourth place with an 8-5-1 overall record and a 3-3-0 conference mark. The Vikings are coming off a win over Carroll and a draw with Wisconsin-Platteville. Senior Vidar Rydell has 30 total shots and five assists, while Nico Chavez scored twice in the recent win over Carroll.

Carroll University is also fighting for a playoff spot, entering the final week with a 6-8-1 overall record and a 3-4-0 conference record. Marti Solanelles leads the team with 57 shots and four assists, and Iskander Sharipov has seven goals this season. Goalkeeper Uriel Garcia made five saves in a recent match against Wheaton.

Carthage College earned its first conference win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Augustana and has extended its unbeaten run to two matches. The Firebirds lead the conference in saves per game (6.62), with Aaron The topping the league in total saves (81) and save percentage (.810). Eli Schoffstall scored his second goal of the season in the win over Augustana.

Millikin University, currently tied for seventh in the standings, has a 5-9-1 overall record and a 1-4-1 mark in the CCIW. The Big Blue are fourth in the conference in goals (29) and total points (79). Bryce Davis leads the team with eight goals, and freshman Olav Kaldahl has contributed 38 shots this season.

Augustana College, also tied for seventh, has relied on goalkeeper William Gabrielsson, who has 71 saves and two shutouts. Javi Landin leads the team offensively and scored the only goal in the recent loss to Carthage.

Elmhurst University recently defeated Beloit 3-1 in non-conference play and ranks third in the league in total corners (80). Goalkeeper Niyen Ruffin has 58 saves this season, and freshman Klaus Gartner leads the team with four goals. Senior Michail Tzankov scored twice in the win over Beloit.

With the regular season winding down, teams are focused on securing their spots in the upcoming CCIW tournament.