West Central Reporter

Western Illinois commenced the 2024 men's soccer season on Thursday night in Phoenix, Arizona. The match, initially scheduled for 7 P.M. local time, was delayed by 55 minutes due to lightning, officially starting at 7:55 P.M.

The Leathernecks showed promise early in the game by preventing Grand Canyon University (GCU) from creating goal-scoring opportunities. Transfer goalkeeper Micah Ramirez made key plays early on, including a crucial grab in the seventh minute.

Western Illinois' best scoring chance in the first half came when forward Armin Dedic received a deflected ball near the corner of the 18-yard box and shot just wide of the net. GCU had a significant opportunity in the 26th minute but missed over the crossbar, maintaining a scoreless game.

In the 36th minute, GCU capitalized on a poor pass from Western Illinois. Forward Bright Nutornusi scored with one touch into an open net. Less than a minute later, Nutornusi scored again following another failed pass attempt by Western Illinois, bringing the score to two-nil at halftime.

Western Illinois started the second half aggressively with several chances within four minutes but failed to convert them. In the 53rd minute, Tyler Philpott's shot from outside the box was saved. Jimmy Baars set up Xavier Gagnon in the 59th minute, but Gagnon's early shot went wide. GCU responded quickly as Jony Muñoz scored a bicycle kick in the 60th minute, extending their lead to three-nil.

The Leathernecks earned a corner in the 75th minute near the 18-yard box. Baars played it low and Benjamin Graham nearly scored but was deflected out for another corner. Ramirez made another significant save in the 78th minute during a one-on-one inside the box. Neither team had notable chances in the final twelve minutes.

Western Illinois will face Butler on Sunday, August 25 at 5 PM in Indianapolis.