MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois lost its first game of the season at home to Bradley 3-0 Thursday evening.

The Leathernecks (3-1-1) played catch up all game as the Braves (3-1-1) got on the board early and never looked back. The Braves got their first goal of the game from Drew DeGurian in the eighth minute off an assist from Chris Cutshaw. DeGurian found an open look from the top of the box and bounced a shot off the cross bar, which dropped in behind Leatherneck goalkeeper Stephen Paterson (Thunder Bay, Ontario/Sir Winston Churchill).

"We didn't run enough and our effort was poor in the first 20 minutes of the game," said coach Dr. Eric Johnson. "Bradley was all over us and really came energized. I think they remembered last year and they brought a great game here today."

Western found itself in a hole early on and could not battle back. The Braves added goals from Packy Amundsen in the 13th minute and Grant Campbell on a header inside the box in the 22nd minute.

The Braves kept the pressure on Western to close out the first half, allowing just two shots in the opening frame for the Leathernecks, none of which were on goal.

The second half showed some signs of light for Western as junior goalkeeper Charlie Sales (Farmersville, Ill./Lehigh) came in to record three saves. Coach Johnson was not shy about going to his bench and utilizing his depth with the three goal deficit.

"We emptied the bench to see what would happen and I thought we were okay. It was a pretty good showing for the second group. I thought in that second half we had some pretty good moments but we just couldn't find a way to break them down. But that's a good lesson for us, it's a reality check. You think you're pretty good because you haven't lost."

For the entire game Western only managed two shots on goal out of seven total. The shots on goal both came in the second half with Western trailing by three goals.

"We had an attitude of let's just get to the game and I guess I'll take the blame for that. But I'll think they'll be ready on Sunday. That's the good thing, we have two days wait and we'll get to play again and hopefully we'll have a better effort for our crowd."

The Leathernecks are back home on Sunday when they welcome Western Michigan. Game time is set for 1:30 p.m. at MacKenzie Alumni Field.