Trojans Record Impressive Stat Sheet in Loss to No. 18 Wildcats

MARION, Ind. – The Taylor men's soccer team (4-9-1, 1-4-1 CL) was defeated 3-0 Saturday evening at rival No. 18 Indiana Wesleyan (11-1-3, 3-0-3).

The Trojans hung with IWU throughout the first half, recording four shots on goal through the first 45 minutes of play. Though TU interspersed its shots throughout the period, Indiana Wesleyan was able to tally the game's first goal in the 33rd minute. Three corner kicks for Taylor in the final five minutes of the half were defended well by the Wildcats, leaving the score at 1-0 heading into the intermission.

Sam Spiegel had five saves by halftime, as TU successfully staved off nine of IWU's 10 looks in the opening period.

The Wildcats put the pressure on right away to open the second half, as they notched a goal in the 48th minute to make it 2-0. While Taylor was able to put up another impressive four shots on goal throughout the second half, it wasn't meant to be as IWU added a goal in the 73rd minute to seal the victory.

Despite the defeat, Spiegel made 11 saves on the evening, setting a new season high. The junior's big night pushed his season-long saves total to 60, and he surpassed 50 saves for third straight year.

Taylor's eight shots on goal also marked a season-best for the team, as its SOG percentage finished at .889 for the night. TU spread its on-target shots around, with Justin Devlin finishing with a team-high two shots (both on goal) in the match.

The Trojans will look to bounce back on Saturday, Oct. 21, when it hosts Spring Arbor (8-4-3, 3-3-0 CL) as part of Homecoming Weekend at Taylor University. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Turner Stadium.