BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- In the 2025 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) championship match, llinois Wesleyan edged North Park University 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Neis Field. The Titans secured the win behind a first-half goal from Joey Rodino and a standout performance from senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior, handing North Park only its second shutout loss of 2025.
Rodino's decisive moment came in the 22nd minute, less than two minutes after entering the match as a substitute. The midfielder capitalized on a scoring opportunity to notch his fourth goal of the season, giving IWU a lead they would not relinquish.
North Park, despite trailing early, showcased a persistent offensive effort, outshooting the Titans 23-16 and placing 10 shots on goal. However, Kedzior proved impenetrable, recording 10 saves en route to a clean sheet. His most critical stops came in the second half, where he turned away six shots, including a flurry of attempts in the final minutes.
Angel Arismendiz led the Vikings' attack with five shots, four on target, but was repeatedly denied by Kedzior. Illinois Wesleyan's defensive unit, anchored by Jonathan Claybrook and supported by a rotating cast of substitutes, absorbed pressure throughout the contest. The Titans were outshot in both halves but maintained composure, especially during North Park's late surge that saw multiple shots in the final five minutes.
IWU's lone goal was preceded by a trio of substitutions at the 20-minute mark, including Rodino's entry, where the Titans drew a foul on a handball in the box. Rodino converted on the PK, the Titans only shot on goal in the first half, giving them a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Illinois Wesleyan increase their offensive output with 12 shots, but Almborg stood tall in goal for North Park, making six saves to keep his side within striking distance. Despite their efforts, the Vikings could not find an equalizer.
The win gives Illinois Wesleyan an automatic berth the the NCAA playoffs while North Park is on the outside looking in.
