West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University is preparing for a challenging soccer match against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) at Korte Stadium in Edwardsville, Illinois. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, at 2 PM Central Time.

SIUE, with a record of 7-4-3 and 5-1-1 in conference play, currently shares the top spot in the Ohio Valley Conference standings with 16 points. They are ranked 73rd in the NCAA's Ratings Percentage Index. The Cougars have been strong at home this season, holding a 5-1-1 record in Edwardsville. Their only home loss was to Omaha. Recently, they struggled during their Texas trip, drawing against Incarnate Word and losing to Houston Christian without scoring.

The Western Illinois Leathernecks have a record of 7-8-1 overall and are 2-5 in conference play. They sit sixth in the conference standings. In their last four matches, they achieved victories over Liberty and Southern Indiana but lost to Lindenwood and Eastern Illinois. Liam Gainey leads WIU with six goals but has missed recent games due to injury.

Joel McIntyre, a sophomore defender for the Leathernecks, has been recognized as the Ohio Valley Conference's Defensive Player of the Week three times this season. He played a key role in WIU's recent victory over Liberty by shutting out one of the nation's top offenses.

In late September, Western Illinois players received several weekly awards following their win over Northern Illinois. Freshman goalkeeper Alexis Michaud was named Goalkeeper of the Week after securing a clean sheet with seven saves. Joel McIntyre earned Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors, while senior midfielder Jimmy Baars was recognized as Offensive Player of the Week after scoring two goals.

Jimmy Baars was also highlighted as an OVC Player to Watch before the season began. The senior midfielder from Kudelstaart, Netherlands started seven games last year and attempted nine shots.

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