West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University men's soccer team is set to begin its season with two matches this week. The Leathernecks will travel to play Butler on August 21 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a home game against Quincy University on August 24 at 5:00 p.m.

The team brings back several experienced players, including senior goalkeeper Micah Ramirez and senior midfielder Oscar Olingdahl. Olingdahl started in 16 of the team's 17 matches last season.

In the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Men's Soccer Preseason Poll, Western Illinois was picked to finish sixth. SIUE received the majority of first-place votes and is favored to win the conference, while Southern Indiana was predicted to finish last.

Six freshmen have joined Western Illinois' roster this year under head coach Dr. Eric Johnson. The program aims to improve upon its previous record of eight wins, eleven losses, and one draw.

Butler will also be playing its season opener against Western Illinois. In the BIG East preseason poll, Butler was projected to finish last in the Midwest Division. Senior Josemir Gomez returns for Butler after being named to the 2025 Preseason All-Big EAST team.

Quincy University ended last season with five wins, nine losses, and three draws. The teams faced each other in an exhibition match last year.

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