DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Northwestern men's soccer team dominated on the field Friday evening, claiming a 5-1 victory over Emmaus University. The win not only marked the first of the 2025 season but also secured Head Coach Greg Wheaton's 200th career victory with UNW, a milestone moment for the program.
The Eagles struck first, with Charlie Van Wyk's (Afton, Minn./New Life Academy) first collegiate goal, scoring the team's first goal of the season in the 26th minute, assisted by Isaac Zelaya (Willmar, Minn./Willmar). Emmaus countered with a goal in the 35th minute, but the Eagles quickly regained momentum. With only seconds remaining in the first half, Luis Villalobos (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) added another goal, assisted by Simeon Friesen (Mounds View, Minn./Homeschool), giving UNW a 2-1 advantage.
The second half belonged to Northwestern as they scored three more goals. Julian Ortiz (Oakdale, Minn./North St. Paul) found the back of the net in the 48th minute, again assisted by Friesen. Villalobos struck once more in the 54th minute, this time assisted by Jared Mojardin (Denver, Colo./Northeast Early College), and Ayden James Snyder (Spring Valley, Calif./Moanalua) capped the scoring in the 86th minute with his first collegiate goal, assisted by fellow freshman David Kobielush (Chaska, Minn./Southwest Christian).
UNW outshot Emmaus 39-6, including 22 shots on goal to Emmaus' 3. Villalobos led the attack with 5 shots, 3 on goal, and 2 goals. Ortiz scored on his only shot attempt, and Van Wyk had 3 shots, all on target, with his lone goal. Mojardin was active with 8 attempts, four on goal, while Friesen put all four of his shots on target. Freshman goalie Hayden DeAnnuntis (Ferndale, Wash./Ferndale) made two saves to preserve the 4 goal margin.
The Eagles' dominant performance showed a balanced attack and defensive control, giving the team a boost to the season and a special milestone to celebrate with Coach Wheaton. The Eagles will be back home at Reynolds Field on Wednesday, September 10th, at 7:00 PM against UW-Stout.
