CHICAGO – No. 21 University of Chicago men's soccer officially began their defense of their 2022 national championship on their home turf when they played host to Illinois Wesleyan in the Chicago Regional semifinal game. The Maroons were able to contain the chaotic attack of the Titans and got a much-needed insurance goal in the second half to advance to the second round with a 3-1 win.
RESULT – NCAA TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND
Illinois Wesleyan – 1
No. 21 University of Chicago – 3
HOW IT HAPPENED
- No. 21 University of Chicago (10-2-5) poured on the shots today against Illinois Wesleyan (6-7-5), putting up a dozen in each half as they tried to combat the organized chaos that was the Titans attack throughout the afternoon.
- The Maroons were the first to throw a crooked number up on the scoreboard, striking in the 22nd minute with a goal by Jack Leuker. Leuker then got back in on the action with a helper during Nick Lorr's tally at 37:39 to put UChicago up by two heading into the break.
- The game was far from over though. The Titans cut the home team's lead in half with just under 25 minutes left to play but the Maroons got that goal back in the 75th minute with a score from Kai Walsh with the assists going to Ryan Shea and Jadyn Hsieh-Bailey.
- UChicago was able to hold IWU at bay for the rest of the way and keeper Will Boyes ended up with four total saves as Maroons win their seventh straight NCAA tournament game, this time by a two goal differential.
UCHICAGO STAT TRACKER
Shots on Goal – Kai Walsh (3)
Goals – Three with one
Assists – Three with one
Saves – Will Boyes (4)