MARION, Ind. - No. 10 Indiana Wesleyan Men's Soccer began the 2025 season with a match at home against NCAA D3 opponent Wittenberg University. The morning match started slow as both teams were shaking the rust off from the long summer. Around 3 minutes in, Wittenberg fired off what would be their only shot of the half wide off the left post. The Wildcats would control the possession battle for the majority of the first half getting off 10 shots and attempting 6 corner kicks. The first goal of the year for IWU came in the 19th minute of play as Taha Houssni scored on a free kick inside the box after a Wittenberg handball call. The Wildcats kept control of the momentum but no more goals were scored between either team for the rest of the period. Both teams came out of halftime with passion as it was clearly turning into a more physical game. The physicality led to 6 yellow cards being handed out between the two teams over the course of the second half. IWU maintained the pressure they had showed in the first period which led to multiple shots in the first 3 minutes. Newcomer Eliass Elfasoukhi scored his first goal of the season at the turn of the 58th minute to give the Wildcats a 2-0 lead. A little more than a minute later, Yarek Carnegie tallied a goal to push the lead to 3-0. Taha Houssni assisted both goals to earn 4 total points for the match. Momentum seemed to swing Wittenberg's way later in the second period which led to a goal to cut the lead to 3-1. The defense held up for both teams and the match ended with a 3-1 score in favor of the Wildcats.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Marion, Ind. | IWU Soccer Field
- Match Score: IWU-3 WU-1
- Records: IWU: 1-0-0 | WU: 0-0-0
WHAT HAPPENED
- The first goal of the new season was scored by Taha Houssni in the 19th minute off of a handball call in Wittenberg's box.
- IWU controlled the ball for the majority of the match, attempting 11 corner kicks and shooting 17 total shots.
- Taha Houssni tallied 2 assists in the second half, one to Eliass Elfasoukhi and one to Yarek Carnegie.
- Wittenberg scored a late goal to cut the lead but the pressure was not enough to break the Wildcats.
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- 16: The Wildcats registered 17 total shots for the match compared to Wittenberg's two.
- 11: IWU attempted 11 corner kicks across both periods showcasing the pressure they put on the Tigers.
- 4: Taha Houssni was involved in all three goals registering 4 points with a goal and 2 assists.
LOOKING FORWARD
- IWU plays again on Monday, August 25th against Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky.
- Links for tickets, video, and stats are available at IWUWildcats.com.
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