MACOMB, Ill. - The Western Illinois men's soccer team concluded its weekend with a 1-0 shutout victory over Valparaiso Sunday afternoon. The shutout marks the fifth of its kind this year.

With the victory, the Leathernecks improve to 6-4-1 overall on the season, and have now won three straight matches. After the loss, the Crusaders fall to 4-4-2 overall on the year.

"Before today's game we discussed how it would be important for us to be able to play with high energy after having a game on Friday," said head coach Eric Johnson. "I'm not sure how much energy we had today, but we defended and that's what it took to get the win."

From the looks of it, Valparaiso came into Sunday's match in hopes to put pressure on Western's defense early and often. The Crusaders finished the first half with 13 shots, six on frame, but the Leathernecks second shot on goal proved to be the game-winner.

Freshmen Diego Gonzalez and Ebenezer Mengistu, along with junior Matt Carlson entered the contest late in the first to give the Leathernecks some energy. Not long after entering the match, Mengistu found Carlson right-side, who centered the ball to Gonzalez who sent a laser through the hands of the keeper, high.  

Coach Johnson talked about the importance of getting energy and points from their bench.

"We got a great goal from our bench," said Johnson. "We needed that today and we talked about that on Friday that some guys were going to have to help us out with the energy level, and they got us a goal."

The Crusaders continued to pressure in the second, but the Leathernecks defense stepped up and held on to the victory.

Valparaiso finished the contest with 25 shots, 11 on frame, while the Leathernecks had 11 shots, three of which were on frame.

Senior captain and goalkeeper Andy Ryan finished with an impressive 11 saves and his fifth shutout of the season. Crusader keeper Kyle Zobeck allowed one goal and made three saves.

With the victory, the Leathernecks improve their overall series record against Valparaiso, 17-6-2.

Next Saturday, the Western Illinois men's soccer squad will travel to Fort Wayne, Ind. to resume Summit League play against IPFW at 6 p.m.