From Washington University Athletics
Junior Jack West scored in the 56thminute to lift the Washington University men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Illinois Wesleyan University Monday night at Francis Field.
Sophomore Grant Baltes made a perfect pass through the Illinois Wesleyan defense that West was able to take in stride before hitting a chip shot over the Titans' goalkeeper who was coming out to try to make a stop. It was West's team-leading third goal of the season and his second game-winner.
After being held scoreless in the first half, Washington U. came out more aggressively in the second half. A throw-in from freshman Thomas Hutchings went to West in the box, but his shot sailed high and wide in the 46th minute. The Bears kept the pressure on with three shots on goal in the next six minutes, but all three shots were saved by IWU keeper Mark Streid to preserve the shutout until West found the back of the net.
The teams played to a scoreless tie in the first half, combining for 13 shots, just two of which were on goal. The Titans had a couple good chances early, but their free kick from just outside the box went just over the crossbar in the third minute. In the 10th minute, IWU made good contact on a header off a corner kick, but it also was just high to keep the score tied. The Bears made several nice runs down the field, but Illinois Wesleyan's defense was able to recover in time to keep Washington U. from getting any good looks at the goal.
Illinois Wesleyan finished with a 13-12 shot advantage in the match, but the Bears had a 4-3 edge in shots on goal. Sophomore Daniel Geanon picked up his third shutout victory of the season in goal for Washington U., recording four saves to improve to 3-1.
Washington U. improved to 5-2-1 with the win, while Illinois Wesleyan dropped to 6-6.
Bear Notebook: Washington U. leads the all-time series against Illinois Wesleyan 12-0-2 … It was the 11th shutout in the 14-match series all-time.