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Western Illinois University Athletics

MSOC_Omaha_FP
WIU Visual Productions Center
0
Neb.-Omaha OMAHA (4-4-2 (1-1-1))
1
Winner Western Ill. WIU (7-4-1 (2-0-0))
Neb.-Omaha OMAHA
(4-4-2 (1-1-1))
0
Final
1
Western Ill. WIU
(7-4-1 (2-0-0))
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Neb.-Omaha OMAHA 0 0 0
Western Ill. WIU 1 0 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | WIU Athletic Communications

Men's Soccer Notches Record-Setting Fifth Consecutive Shutout Against Omaha

Western Illinois shut out Omaha 1-0 on Saturday (Oct. 11) to move to 2-0 in The Summit League

MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois men's soccer notched its fifth consecutive shutout win in a 1-0 victory against regionally ranked Omaha on Saturday, October 11 in Macomb, Illinois. The Leathernecks five consecutive clean sheets break the program's previous record in the Division I era of four straight shutouts set in 2004 and matched in 2006. The win is Western's first over Omaha in program history and moves the Purple and Gold to 2-0 in The Summit League and 7-4-1 overall.

"In practice we've been concentrating on the things we've been trying to improve all season," said head coach Dr. Eric Johnson. "That includes communication, one-on-one defending and moving off the ball. We got a great goal early and that helped us, but hat's off to Omaha. They made a game out of it. Defensively we were solid and Yves made the two saves he had to make. Those guys (the defense) and the midfielders are always working hard for the shutout."

Western opened the game with physical play as the Leathernecks were whistled for five fouls in the first five minutes. At the eight minute mark senior center back Charlie Bales and junior midfielder Maclean Johnson teamed up on a combination pass as Bales made a run through the midfield. The senior captain was able to draw the defense and find junior forward Austin Gochneaur in the penalty area. Gochneaur touched Bales' pass past Maverick goalkeeper Jason Ghitis for his second goal of the season, putting an end to Ghitis' 200:58 minute scoreless streak. 

Omaha outshot the Leathernecks 7-5 in the remaining 37 minutes of the opening period, but neither team was able to score as the half closed with Western leading 1-0.

In the second half, senior goalkeeper Yves Dietrich and the Western defense took center stage. The Purple and Gold limited Omaha to just six shots with no saves required of Dietrich as WIU's back line allowed no shots to go on goal. The final whistle sounded with Western in the lead 1-0 as it claimed its second victory in The Summit League and seventh win this season.

In addition to his assist to Gochneaur, Charlie Bales added three shots of his own, with one going on goal while eight additional Leathernecks tallied shots of their own as well. 

Dietrich not only notched his fifth consecutive shutout but his sixth shutout of the season, a career high which ties him for seventh in Western history for shutouts in one season. The win also marks the captains 13th career clean sheet which places him just one shy of tying Andy Ryan for third on the all-time list.

The Leathernecks have a short turnaround as they take the field again this Monday (Oct. 13) for a nonconference matchup with NCAA Division III powerhouse, Loras College. The match is slated for a 3:30 p.m. start on John MacKenzie Alumni Field in Macomb, Illinois.
   
 
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