The Elmhurst University men's soccer team delivered a dominant 5-1 victory over Millikin University on Saturday night at Langhorst Field, earning its first CCIW win of the season. The Bluejays (4-6-2, 1-1-0 CCIW) scored twice in the first half and added three more in the second to secure the decisive home win.

Elmhurst opened the scoring in the 18th minute when freshman Klaus Gartner netted his third goal of the year, finishing off a pass from Marthin Bobadilla. Just 10 minutes later, Bobadilla added a goal of his own, assisted by Max Aquino and Charlie Terriquez, to make it 2-0. Millikin (4-6-1, 0-2-1 CCIW) cut the deficit in half in the 33rd minute when Nick Orr converted a penalty kick, but the Bluejays carried a 2-1 lead into halftime.

The Bluejays took full control after the break. In the 51st minute, Aquino scored off an assist from Edgar Duenas to restore a two-goal cushion. Gartner then struck again three minutes later, burying his second goal of the match and fourth of the season from a setup by Caden Sultzbaugh. Sultzbaugh later capped the scoring himself in the 64th minute with a penalty kick goal to complete the 5-1 result.

Elmhurst's attack was relentless, producing 21 total shots with 12 on goal and earning seven corner kicks. Gartner led the way with two goals, while Bobadilla, Aquino, and Sultzbaugh each tallied one goal and one assist. Duenas and Terriquez each added assists, while Jacob Wipke and Ryan Wells contributed multiple shot attempts.

Goalkeeper Niyen Ruffin supported the win with three saves in 75 minutes before Jakub Wiktorczyk closed out the final 15 minutes in net. 

The Bluejays improved to 1-1 in CCIW play and will look to build on the performance when they travel to North Park University next week.