West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's men's soccer team is preparing for two upcoming matches against Northern Illinois and Northern Kentucky. The games are scheduled for August 28 in DeKalb, Illinois, and August 31 in Macomb, Illinois.

The Leathernecks are looking to rebound after a narrow loss to Quincy last Sunday. Despite controlling much of the match and recording 17 shots, Western Illinois conceded a goal in the final seconds, resulting in a 1-0 defeat. Goalkeeper Micah Ramirez made eight saves during the game.

"The sting of last Sunday's finish still lingers. After controlling long stretches of play, firing 17 shots, and watching goalkeeper Micah Ramirez turn away eight shots, Western Illinois men's soccer looked like it would walk away with a draw against Quincy. Instead, the Hawks broke the tie with a goal at the 89:50 mark, a last-second goal that handed the Leathernecks a 1-0 loss. The Leathernecks will look to put that all behind them and get back in the win column against the Huskies."

Sophomore Benjmain Graham leads Western Illinois in goals, shots on goal, and points this season. Senior goalkeeper Micah Ramirez has recorded 13 saves while allowing only one goal so far.

"The Leathernecks lone scorer on the year, sophomore Benjmain Graham, will be one to watch in these matchups as he leads the team in goals, shots on goal, and points. Senior Goalkeeper Micah Ramirez has 13 saves and only one goal allowed on the year, and has consistently shut down attacks from opposing teams."

The team aims to improve its offensive output after scoring just once across its opening matches.

"Western Illinois will look to spark its attack this week after scoring just one goal through its opening matches. The Leathernecks have created opportunities but are still searching for the finishing touch on some dangerous attacks."

Northern Illinois enters Thursday's match with a record of 1-0-1 after tying Milwaukee and defeating Green Bay 1-0. Midfielder Jose Gomez returns as a key player for NIU following his selection to the Preseason All-MVC team. Last season, Northern Illinois finished with three wins.

"The Huskies opened their season with a tie at Milwaukee and followed that up with a 1-0 victory at Green Bay. The Huskies return key playmaker Midfielder Jose Gomez, who was named to the Preseason All-MVC team. They are looking to improve upon their (3-12-1) record from 2024."

Northern Kentucky holds a record of 1-1-0 after beating Union Commonwealth thanks to midfielder Maddox Behnfeldt's decisive goal but losing narrowly at Akron.

"Northern Kentucky opened its season with a 2-1 victory against Union Commonwealth from a game-winner by midfielder Maddox Behnfeldt. They followed that game up with a 1-0 loss at #24 Akron. Last year, the Norse finished with a (3-6-7) record."

Fans can find more information about Western Illinois men's soccer by visiting GoLeathernecks.com or following updates on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

"For all the latest information on Leatherneck Men's Soccer, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook."