MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois freshman Charlie Bales scored his first career-goal and tallied an assist in a 3-1 victory over Evansville on Sunday, Sept. 19.

The Fighting Leathernecks (2-3-2) used a dominating first-half effort to put the Purple Aces (4-2-1) away early, scoring three times in the opening period for their first home win of the season.

Western Illinois got on the board when Bales took a free kick from just outside the box in the 11th minute and shot a rocket past Evansville goalkeeper Phil Boerger and into the bottom left corner of the net.

The Leathernecks would score again in the 17th minute when Bales found Darryl Odom streaking into the box and Odom put home his first goal of the season to make the score 2-0.

Husref Jupic added to the lead when he scored from the left side of the box in the 32nd minute for his second goal of the season. Daniel Lewis was credited with the assist on the play.

The Purple Aces would turn up the pressure in the second half, firing off 13 shots before Jesse Sharp found the back of the net in the 66th minute to cut Western's lead to 3-1.

Leatherneck goalkeeper Andy Ryan, who made five stops in the contest, would make two high-flying one-handed saves in the final 20 minutes to preserve the victory. Western's defense also came to the rescue as it was credited with two team saves.

Evansville finished the match with an 18 to 16 advantage in shots, including eight to seven in shots on goal. The Purple Aces were awarded eight corners to Western's three.

Ryan (2-3-2) picked up the win while Odom led the team with four shots. Bales and Jupic each recorded three shots, including two on goal.

The Leathernecks will hit the road for their next four matches. Western Illinois will open Summit League play when it travels to IUPUI on Saturday for a 1 p.m. match.