JOLIET, Ill. – No. 4 Indiana Wesleyan Women's Soccer finished its non-conference schedule with a road match against the University of St. Francis (Ill.) on Saturday. The Wildcats scored three times from three different players en route to an 8th shutout of 2026.
The Wildcats shot frequently through the first half but were unable to get past the Fighting Saint's goalkeeper. That is until freshman Breena Ireland found the net in the final minute to put IWU up 1-0. Early in the second period, Dylan Gonzalez scored her first career goal to extend the lead to 2-0. 7 minutes of play later, Sydney Couch found Katelyn VanderArk on the wing who got another past the keeper for the final score of the game. In nine games, goalkeeper Avery Sluss and IWU have already registered eight shutouts and allowed only one goal. The defense will be put to the test as conference play begins with three straight Top 25 opponents, starting with No. 16 Spring Arbor on the road next week.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Joliet, Ill. | Joliet Memorial Stadium
- Records: IWU: 8-0-1 (0-0-0) | USF: 4-4-0 (0-0-0)
- NAIA Top 25 Poll: IWU - #4 | USF – Unranked
WHAT HAPPENED
- Despite outshooting USF 13-2 in the first half, IWU was able to score once as Breena Ireland got a goal in the final minute.
- The Wildcats came out of the half with their foot on the pedal and junior Dylan Gonzalez scored her first collegiate goal in the 51st minute.
- Katelyn VanderArk scored her 4th goal of the season in the 58th minute assisted by Sydney Couch.
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- 1: Dylan Gonzalez scored her first career goal to add to her 3 assists on the year.
- 8: After today's match, Avery Sluss has 8 shutout wins and a .11 goals allowed average.
- 7: IWU tallied 7 corner kicks while holding USF to 0.
GONZALEZ PERSPECTIVE
- "The game was a ton of fun and such a good ending to the first part of season!" said Dylan Gonzalez. "I'm so proud of this team and the way we lift each other up and support one another. I just scored my first career goal today too and celebrating with my teammates and my best friends was so special. I love these girls and I can't wait for conference!"
LOOKING FORWARD
- The Wildcats begin conference play with No. 16 Spring Arbor on Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:00 PM on the road.
- Links for stats and video are available at IWUWildcats.com.
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