West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University (WIU) is set to face Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in a crucial soccer match at Lakeside Field in Charleston, Illinois. The game, scheduled for Sunday, October 13 at 12 PM Central Time, will be streamed live.

Eastern Illinois holds a record of 3-6-5 overall and is 1-2-2 in conference play. This match carries significant weight for the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Championship seeding and qualification, as only one point separates the two teams. EIU currently sits in fifth place while WIU is eighth. Both teams have previously defeated Southeast Missouri State with a score of 2-1.

The Leathernecks have been showing strong performances recently, with different outcomes over their last three matches: a win against Southeast Missouri, a draw with SIUE, and a narrow loss to Little Rock. Five players—Callie McMurtrey, Alexis Betker, Ali Matthews, Rita Moran, and Landry McCoid—have each scored for WIU this season. Freshman goalkeeper Ariel Bernard has made an impression by saving an average of 7.45 shots per game.

Returning players include Isabel Navas Rodriguez from Madrid, Spain; Sydnee Sagal from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; Hana Daoudi; and Alanna Pennington. Senior Kayla Turner has been highlighted as a key player to watch this season.

Coach Josee Primeau has introduced seven new players to strengthen the team’s offense. Among them are junior transfer forwards Callie McMurtrey from Crocker, Missouri; Autumn Wilson from Cody, Wyoming; and Landry McCoid who had an impressive previous season with Iowa Central Community College.