MARION, Ind. - Despite an early red card for sophomore Jose Garcia in the eighth minute, Indiana Wesleyan men's soccer held on to win on Saturday after a back-and-forth battle against Wittenberg. With three lead changes in their victory, IWU found their highest success rate in the second half. After two goals from senior Giuseppe Santacroce and a late goal in the 79th minute from junior Taha Houssni, the Wildcats were able to hang on and secure their undefeated start to their season.

 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Wildcat Field | Marion, Ind.
• Records: IWU - 2-0-0 | WU - 0-1-0
• NAIA Top-25 Ranking: IWU - RV | WU - Unranked

WHAT HAPPENED

• Red card handed down to Jose Garcia in the eighth minute forced the Wildcats to play a man down most of the match.
• IWU's midfield and attack created many chances but to no avail as the first half came to a close, trailing 1-0.
• After a Wittenberg goal to make it 2-1, the Wildcats fought back and scored two goals in six minutes (73rd and 79th).
• Giuseppe Santacroce slotted his second goal in the bottom right corner in the 73rd minute off a stellar ball from sophomore Cole Little.
• Winter Casseus placed a beautiful pass to the inside for Taha Houssni to lock in his second goal of the season in the 79th minute.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• 6: There were six IWU shots on goal in the game, doubling Wittenberg's attack.
• 3: All three goals contributing to the Wildcat victory were all scored in the second half.
• 2: Giuseppe Santacroce showed a great display on the pitch by netting two goals in 65 minutes.

LOOKING FORWARD

• IWU will stay home and faced #19 ranked Indiana Tech on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
• Links for video and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com.

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS

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