Western Illinois University’s women’s soccer team lost 5-0 to Drake University on Thursday afternoon in Macomb. The Leathernecks were aiming to build momentum after their first win of the season but were unable to contain a Bulldogs squad expected to be among the top teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Drake took control early, consistently challenging Western Illinois’ defense. Goalkeeper Ariel Bernard recorded several saves in the opening minutes, with key stops coming in the 10th and 11th minutes that kept the match scoreless. Drake eventually scored in the 27th minute when Eve Blakey found the net. The Leathernecks went into halftime down by one goal.
The second half saw Drake widen its lead, adding multiple goals to finish with a 5-0 victory.
Western Illinois will next play a non-conference road game against Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls on Sunday, August 24.
