West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's men's soccer team achieved a significant milestone by securing their first-ever Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) victory against the Liberty Flames. The match, held on Thursday afternoon in Macomb, Illinois, saw the Leathernecks overturn a previous 7-1 defeat to Liberty with a solid defensive performance and an early goal.

The Leathernecks introduced a new lineup and formation for this match, opting for a 4-3-3 setup. Goalkeeper Micah Ramirez was instrumental in the team's success, playing the entire match and making five crucial saves. Center-backs Ryan Wrobleski and Joel McIntyre were pivotal in keeping one of the nation's top offenses at bay.

The decisive moment came in the eleventh minute when Liam Gainey scored his sixth goal of the season after a well-executed play with Gabe Chapa. This goal placed Gainey second in OVC rankings for goals and third for points.

Despite Liberty's efforts to equalize, including attempts from Michael Huss, WIU's defense remained firm throughout the game. The Leathernecks had additional opportunities to extend their lead but were unable to convert them into goals.

Liberty intensified their pressure in the second half but failed to breach WIU's defense. The Flames had several chances late in the game, including two corners in the final minute, but Ramirez ensured victory with a last-minute save.

This win improves Western Illinois' record to 6-6-1 overall and 1-3 in conference play. They have maintained an unbeaten home record this year with four wins and no goals conceded at John Mackenzie Alumni Field.

The Leathernecks are set to face Lindenwood next in an away match as they continue their OVC campaign.

For more updates on Leatherneck Men's Soccer, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow them on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.