John A. Mackenzie Alumni Soccer Field | Western Illinois University Leathernecks
John A. Mackenzie Alumni Soccer Field | Western Illinois University Leathernecks
Western Illinois University Men's Soccer will begin conference play on Saturday as the Leathernecks face Eastern Illinois University in the "Best is West" match at 1 p.m. CT. The game will not be streamed, but fans can follow updates at goleathernecks.com/sidearmstats/msoc/summary.
The two teams have met seven times since 2017, with Western Illinois holding a 4-3 record against the Panthers. Last season, the Leathernecks lost to Eastern Illinois 1-2 despite taking more shots (21 to 12). The team aims to improve its record to 5-3 against this Ohio Valley Conference rival.
Western Illinois enters the match with a 2-7-0 record after a recent loss to Kansas City. In that game, Kansas City outshot Western Illinois 18-3 and scored twice in the first half. Although Western Illinois limited Kansas City to six shots in the second half, they conceded a third goal in the 85th minute and lost 3-0.
Eastern Illinois comes into Saturday's match with a 1-4-1 record following a narrow defeat by Central Arkansas last Sunday. The Panthers took more shots than their opponents (20 to 12) but allowed the only goal of the game at the 80th minute, resulting in a 1-0 loss.
After Saturday's conference opener, Western Illinois will host SIUE for another Ohio Valley Conference matchup scheduled for next week.
Fans attending Saturday’s match are invited to visit the marketing table for a free "West is Best" T-shirt.
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