IWU Men’s Soccer Looks Solid as 2006 Season Opens

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Second-year head coach Ryan Lakin welcomes back 12 lettermen for the 2006 version of the Illinois Wesleyan University men’s soccer team, including both of last season’s “Most Valuable Players.”
Senior midfielder Chris Miller and sophomore defender Matas Cyvas are back from a Titan team that finished 7-7-4 overall and 1-3-3 in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin play.
The Titans open their season at Knox at 4 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 1, then play Webster at home on Sun., Sept. 3 at 5 p.m.
Miller (Normal, University High), a second team all-CCIW selection, was named to the third team of the all-North Central region squad by members of the National Soccer Coaches Association. He led IWU with eight goals and 19 points with two game-winning goals.
With a season left, Miller is No. 5 in school history with 47 points and ranks No. 4 with 20 goals.
Cyvas (Downers Grove, Benet Academy) was a first team all-CCIW selection as a defender for IWU, who was third in the CCIW allowing 1.29 goals per game.
Senior forwards Mark Opal (Wheaton, Benet Academy) and Steve Perona (Western Springs, Lyons Township HS) and junior Ikenna Odinaka (Lagos, Nigeria) return to provide offensive spark and joining Miller in the midfield are sophomore Stephen Rensa (St. Charles, St. Francis Prep) and freshman Paulo Michelini (Ames, Iowa, HS).
Lakin said he expects a “breakout year” from Opal, who is No. 6 all-time at the school with nine career assists and ranks No. 16 with 25 total points.
Odinaka, last year’s “Most Improved Player”, scored three goals including two within 17 seconds in a 2-1 upset win over nationally-ranked Wheaton on Oct. 14.
Senior Brad Shearn (Wheeling, Buffalo Grove HS) helps Cyvas anchor a solid defense along with senior Ben Clemens (Wheaton, Benet Academy) and talented newcomer Jason Lopez (Naperville, Neuqua Valley HS), a sophomore who transfers in from Bowling Green.
Replacing the graduated all-region player Ryan Smith in goal is likely to be sophomore Reggie Lara (Glenview, Notre Dame HS) with 6-foot-6 freshman Win Fisher (Birmingham, Ala., Mountain Brook HS) battling for playing time.
"This team looks to be solid through and through,” said Lakin. “I look at our schedule and I see some tough games, but see no teams we should be afraid of. I think we will be surprising in our ability to meet the challenges faced.”

CONTACT: Stew Salowitz, 309-556-3206