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

Leathernecks End Preseason with 1-1 Draw Against Northern Illinois

A second half goal by Diego Lopez not enough as Leathernecks and Huskies draw

MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois men's soccer team wrapped up its preseason play Saturday, August 22, as the Leathernecks played host to Northern Illinois. The in-state rivals battled for 90 minutes in a game that ended in a 1-1 draw.
 
"We were better today defensively than we were on Monday so that is encouraging," said head coach Eric Johnson. "It was a tough game, a lot of fouls, and I'm sure the fans were disappointed that there wasn't much soccer being played today. We got a chance to play some young guys in positions, but it was just disappointing that we didn't move the ball very well and didn't create many scoring chances."
 
Defense was on display in the early parts of the game, as the two sides combined for a single shot in the opening 27 minutes of play. The Huskies looked to be in position to strike first in the 28th minute as NIU's Kevin Rodriguez had beaten the defense and was inside the box with a chance to score. Freshman goalkeeper Sam Copp was there for the save, and the game remained a 0-0 score.
 
Copp was once again called upon in the 42nd minute as Michael Banas put one on target, but the New Zealand native was there for the save and the two teams headed to the break scoreless.
 
Western Illinois opened the scoring in the second half as Diego Lopez beat the keeper in the 58th minute. Drew Whalen's thru ball from midfield found Lopez in the box, and his shot, the first shot of the game for Western, beat the NIU goalie to the far post. The 1-0 lead looked like it would grow to 2-0 in the 68th minute as Whalen rose for a header in the box, but his attempt sailed just high of the crossbar.
 
One minute later, in the 69th minute, Northern evened the score off of a corner kick. Richard Hall's ball found its way to the foot of Luke Read inside a congested box, and Read was able to beat Copp to even the score at 1-all.
 
Northern had a handful of opportunities in the closing minutes, but Copp and the back line of the WIU defense held strong to preserve the 1-all draw.
 
After splitting time in net in the Leathernecks' first exhibition match, Copp played all 90 minutes Saturday evening, totaling three saves. Johnathan Goliday made his Purple and Gold debut, as he came off the bench in the second half.
 
The Leathernecks open the regular season on Friday, August 28, as the team hits the road to face former Summit League rival Oakland. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. (CT).
 
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