By Myla Stewart
MACOMB, IL- Western Illinois concluded their second conference match against Eastern Illinois in a 1-1 draw. With only two points in three league matches so far, Western has a record of 0-1-2 in conference and stands eighth in Summit League rankings.
Throughout 65 minutes of ball play the game was scoreless until the EIU Panthers got on the board. That lead only lasted five minutes as the Leathernecks were able to bounce back and tie the game. Senior captain Kyle Owen was able to get the lone goal for the Leathernecks and this would be his first goal of the fall season. With a long ball in over the heads of the Panther’s defense, Luis Rodrigues was able to serve his second assist of the season to Kyle Owen as he was able to score the bar-down header goal. The game would finish in a 1-1 tie leaving Eastern in last place in conference standings.
Looking forward to Saturday Oct. 15 Western Illinois is scheduled to play Lindenwood, who is currently 1-2 in league play. Lindenwood stands at 2-7-1 overall with one of their two wins being over the Eastern Illinois Panthers. This game is crucial for WIU to have a chance at making the Summit League playoffs. With a season-high of 19 shots in the previous game, the Leathernecks need to bring this attacking mindset into the Lindenwood match this Saturday Oct. 15 if they plan on gaining a result.
Kickoff will take place at 1 P.M. on John Mackenzie Alumni Field. Following this game will be the final non-conference match for the Necks’ on Tuesday Oct. 17 against the Detroit Titans. Detroit is 2-5-4 on the season with six games remaining. This contest will not affect either team’s conference standings.
Both games on Saturday and Tuesday will be home field advantage for the Leathernecks. Still looking for their first win of the season, there is no doubt Western is going to come out battling for a winning result.
