By D3soccer.com Contributor
The third week of the season is officially in the books. As conference play knocks on the door, we’ll take a look around the Midwest and highlight teams who are playing well with the midpoint of the season approaching.
MICHIGAN
Hope (6-0-0) has won all six games under new head coach Dave Brandt. The Flying Dutchmen have only allowed two goals overall. Meanwhile, three players – Logan Bylsman, Ryan Flynn, and James Reymann - have each scored four goals.
Calvin (6-0-0) is once again off to an impressive start. Head Coach Ryan Souders’ team has scored a whopping 21 goals, with senior Jacob White and junior Hunter Olsen setting the pace. The Knights have solid wins over Millikin, Ohio Northern, and Benedictine.
INDIANA
Wabash (5-1-1) has posted a shutout in each one of its five wins. Goalkeeper Chad Wunderlich has played every minute for the Little Giants. Head Coach Chris Keller‘s team has wins over Franklin, Earlham, Trine, Fontbonne, and Hanover.
Trine (5-1-0) is off to one of their best starts in recent history. In his second year, Head Coach David Jacobs has the team rolling early on. With shutout wins in their last three games, expect the Thunder to cause a stir in the MIAA this conference season.
KENTUCKY
Spalding (6-1-0) has put together a strong start to the 2018 campaign, including recent wins over Aurora and Earlham. In the six games for head coach Adam Boyer’s side, forward Kornell Hilliard has notched 9 goals and 4 assists. The Golden Eagles have two tough road contests this week at Hanover and Centre.
OHIO
Mount Union (5-0-0) has not allowed a goal in 2018, picking up five straight shutout wins to start the season. Head Coach Carter Poe’ Raiders have been led by his back line, including senior Joe Winiecki, junior Tyler Cooper, and sophomore Austin Overy. Highlights include 1-0 wins over Case Western Reserve and Hiram.
ILLINOIS
Illinois Wesleyan (5-1-0) has won their last four games, including solid results over Knox, Dubuque and Central. Head Coach Kyle Schauls and the Titans finish up non-conference action this week against Earlham and Webster before a big home contest against Wheaton (Ill.) to kickoff CCIW action.
Chicago (6-0-1) looks as good as always, winning their last five games and going unbeaten in their opening seven matches. Significant wins include those over Loras, Macalester, Wheaton (Ill.), North Park, and Benedictine, with their only draw coming against Trinity (Texas). Head Coach Mike Babst and the Maroons already look poised for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
IOWA
Cornell (6-0-1) has posted six straight wins and remains undefeated after seven games. Head Coach Nate Grosse and his team have only allowed two goals all season, with goalkeeper Jerome Richards leading the way. The Rams host in-state foe Iowa Wesleyan before beginning MWC play versus Monmouth.
We are just two weeks away from October, which means the 2018 season is reaching full swing. As conference play opens, the stakes for each game will keep getting higher. We look forward to seeing the results from around the region this week!
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