MACOMB, Ill. - The Western Illinois Fighting Leatherneck men's soccer team opened Summit League action Friday afternoon at home with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Eastern Illinois Panthers.
With the win, the Leathernecks improve to 5-4-1 overall and 1-0-0 in Summit League action, while the Panthers fall to 4-5-1 overall and 0-1-1 in league play. Western's shutout marks the fourth of its kind this season.
Head coach Eric Johnson discussed the importance of starting 1-0 in Summit League play.
"It really gives us momentum as we continue conference and nonconference play," said coach Johnson. "The pressure of our league games is incredible because there are only seven teams. There are only six games and only four teams get to advance to postseason play. We really need to pick up as many results as possible and we got one out of the way today."
At the 12 minute mark, freshman Torrance Brown buried the ball near post for his first career goal to put the Leathernecks up 1-0. Brown was setup by junior Nathan Bruinsma's efficient cross net pass. Junior Husref Jupic also assisted on the goal.
Western continued to pressure the Panthers late in the first half and it paid off. Bruinsma setup his second goal of the game, finding Jupic cross net after luring the goalkeeper his way. Senior Alexis Dominguez also assisted on the goal.
Western didn't let up in the second half either. The Leatherneck starters remained in the game until the 58 minute mark, and substitutions paid off for Western. Off the bench, freshman Mario Alvarez recorded his first career goal after senior Mariano Leo forwarded the ball on the setup. Senior Adrian Loyocano also earned an assist on the goal.
The Panthers finished the contest with 14 shots to Western's 13, however the Leathernecks put eight shots on frame to EIU's four. Leo and Bruinsma led Western individually with three shots each.
Senior goalkeeper Andy Ryan recorded his Summit League leading fourth shutout of the season, stopping all three shots that came on frame. With the win, Ryan improves to 5-3-1 on the year.
"Andy did a good job of controlling the back line," Johnson said of Ryan. "The wind was tricky today and he did a good job of adjusting as needed."
The Leathernecks improve their overall series record with Eastern with the win, now 13-30-5 in favor of the Panthers.
Western Illinois (5-4-1, 1-0-0) continues its homestand Sunday when it plays host to the Valparaiso Crusaders at 1 p.m. at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
