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Western Illinois University Athletics

Fernando Pacheco
0
Oral Roberts ORU (5-6-1 (1-2))
4
Winner Western Illinois WIUM (6-5-1 (2-0))
Oral Roberts ORU
(5-6-1 (1-2))
0
Final
4
Western Illinois WIUM
(6-5-1 (2-0))
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Oral Roberts ORU 0 0 0
Western Illinois WIUM 2 2 4

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

Men's Soccer Picks Up 4-0 Win Over Oral Roberts

The Leathernecks improve to 2-0 in Summit League play.

MACOMB, Ill. – A 4-0 shutout win on Saturday afternoon propelled the Fighting Leatherneck men's soccer team over Oral Roberts for Homecoming. Western Illinois improved its overall record to 6-5-1, and stays undefeated at 2-0 in Summit League action with the win at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.

"It was a fantastic response after Tuesday. Our effort and attitude was a lot better and we were better defensively from them, so I'm really proud of the guys," said Director of Soccer Dr. Eric Johnson. "You want to win these games because they are in the league."

A pair of Leatherneck goals in a 28-second span gave them a 2-0 lead in just before halftime. In the 41st minute, Jacob Bjornsen drilled a shot from the top of the box in the center of the field past the keeper, courtesy of a Daniel Collins assist. The goal marked Bjornsen's first of the season.

Just 28 seconds later, Fernando Pacheco dribbled the ball inside the box, and was able to find the back of the net after he rebounded off the keeper for his fourth goal of the season.

"The first goal was off a set play that we worked on, and it worked. The second goal was from great pressure and we were rewarded for going forward," said Johnson. "To get two in a row helped us set them back a little bit in the second half. Defensively we held on and were organized. You can find yourself resting after a two-goal lead, but we were fortunate to find two more in the second half. It was great win for us to go 2-0 in Summit League play."

The Purple and Gold increased its lead to 3-0 over the Golden Eagles when Aziz Tahir scored his second goal ('77) of the year. From the left side of the field just outside the box, Collins connected with Armel Kouassi on a cross.

From there, Kouassi laid in a pass inside the box to Tahir, who finished the play off with a touch past the keeper into the net.

"That third goal for us was huge, because it could have gone 2-1 and they get some momentum. I've seen that happen before, so for us to get that third one sets the tone and makes it difficult for them to come back. It was also a great sequence, and credit to Aziz who was able to find the right spot to put it in."

The final goal came from Kouassi, who found a break-away, and was able to get the upper-hand in a one-on-one opportunity against the keeper outside of the box on the right side of the field.

Overall, the Leathernecks recorded five shots on goals to Oral Roberts' four, while the Golden Eagles had more shots (9-7) in the match.

Individually, Kouassi recorded a team-high three shots, a goal, two shots on goal and an assist in the match, followed by Fernando Pacheco with two shots, a shot on goal and a goal. Bjornsen also recorded a goal off his lone shot in the match and Collins recorded a match-high two assists.

In net, Tim Hansen recorded four saves and his fourth shutout of the season.

The Leathernecks return to action next Saturday, Oct. 15 on the road against Denver, who currently sits atop The Summit League standings. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (CT).  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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