FORT WAYNE, Ind. - IPFW's Max Touloute and Jason Mills put an end to Western's winning-streak, lifting the Mastodons' to a 2-0 shutout victory over Western Illinois in Fort Wayne, Ind. Saturday night (Oct. 8). The Leathernecks' had won three-straight prior to Saturday evening.
The Leathernecks fall to 6-5-1 overall and 1-1 in Summit League play after the loss, while the Mastodons improve to 6-6-1 overall and remain undefeated in Summit League matches (2-0).
Head coach Dr. Eric Johnson said he was happy with his team's effort and performance in the hard fought loss, just not the result.
"We played really well tonight, putting a lot of shots on their keeper, but we weren't able to record a goal," said coach Johnson. "Their keeper made a critical save on a rebound early in the first that if we would have been able to finish off; I think it would have changed the game. Overall I was really pleased with the guys, they kept at it and didn't give up."
After putting a shot on goal just 1:23 into the match, IPFW's Max Touloute, a senior forward, put the Mastodons up 1-0 at the 23rd minute. Touloute received a pass from freshman forward Jason Mills inside the box and finished near post from roughly six yards out.
Although the Mastodons led 1-0 at halftime, the Leathernecks were putting nearly every shot taken on frame. Western finished the first with five-of-six shots on goal, while IPFW had five shots with three on goal.
IPFW's Touloute and Mills continued to be Western's kryptonite, switching roles at the 61st minute to put the Mastodons up 2-0 where the score would remain. Touloute found Mills out in front who finished far post.
The Leathernecks finished the match with 16 shots (8 on goal) to IPFW's 11 (5 on goal).
The Mastodons' goalkeeper Brandon Cloutier earned his second shutout of the season after making eight saves. Western goalkeeper Andy Ryan finished the contest allowing two goals and making three saves.
After tonight's match, the series between Western and IPFW series remains in favor of the Leathernecks, 7-2-1.
The Leathernecks will return home next Saturday to square-off against IUPUI at John MacKenzie Alumni Field. The Summit League tilt is slated for a 1 p.m. start.
