West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University Leathernecks women's soccer team is preparing for a pair of Missouri Valley Conference matches this week. The team will face Illinois State in Normal, Illinois on August 28 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a game against Indiana State in Terre Haute, Indiana on August 31 at 1:00 p.m.

The Leathernecks opened their season with a 2–0 win over St. Ambrose but have since faced challenges, losing 5–0 to Drake and 4–0 to Northern Iowa (UNI). Despite these losses, the team showed some defensive improvement by holding UNI scoreless in the second half of their most recent match. The coaching staff has identified the need for more consistent offensive production and stronger defensive pressure as key areas for improvement.

On offense, Turner has scored both goals for the Leathernecks this season, with Daoudi and McMurtrey also contributing to attacking efforts. Gularte has anchored the defense by playing every minute so far, while Bernard recorded her first career shutout in the season opener against St. Ambrose.

Illinois State enters Thursday's match without a win this season (0-3-1), having recently tied Green Bay. The Redbirds were projected to finish eighth in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll, with Drake picked as favorites.

Indiana State currently holds a 1-2-1 record and is scheduled to play IU Indy before facing Western Illinois. Their results include losses to Purdue and Chattanooga, a tie with Middle Tennessee State, and a victory over Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Brooklyn Woods leads Indiana State as a member of the MVC women's soccer preseason all-conference team.

Fans can follow updates about Western Illinois University Leathernecks women's soccer on GoLeathernecks.com or through their social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.