Leathernecks Net 2-1 Exhibition Win Over DePaul

Western Illinois earned a 2-1 exhibition victory behind Aziz Tahir's two goals.

Box Score
MACOMB, Ill. – Two goals by junior Aziz Tahir led the Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks to a 2-1 victory over DePaul in an Aug. 14 home exhibition matchup.

In the first minute of opening the match, Tahir scored off a Drew Whalen shot that rebounded off the goalkeeper's fingertips to give Western an early 1-0 lead.
Barely any time had passed, when the Blue Demons answered with a goal of their own in the second minute, tying the score at 1-1.

Western found its second goal of the match, which proved to be the game winner in the ninth minute when Whalen connected with a through ball to Tahir, in which he was able to get past the keeper.

"Early goals are such a crucial part to this game, and to get two within ten minutes of the match helps us," said Director of Soccer Eric Johnson. "The first one was great when Drew split two guys and got a good shot for Aziz to follow up on, and that set the tone. We gave one right back, but we're happy that a lot of the guys played well."

The second half saw multiple close chances, including a DePaul shot that hit the crossbar in the 61st minute, but the Leathernecks were able to hold off the Blue Demons for the win.

"I thought we defended very well. DePaul is a strong, Big East team. I think getting that first goal told our guys that we could do this, and that second one established our confidence," said Johnson. "Aziz's goals really helped us and our point during halftime was to protect each other over the top defensively."

Freshmen Tim Trilk (three saves) and Tim Hansen (one save) both split time in goal, as Trilk played the first period and Hansen saw action in the entire second period.

DePaul outshot Western 14-11 in the match, but the Leathernecks recorded more corner kicks (7-5) and more total saves. Both Tahir and Whalen recorded three shots, while Amadeo Carbo added two, with Fernando Pacheco, Armel Kouassi and Alejandro Pacheco contributing with one apiece.

The Leathernecks return to the pitch Saturday, Aug. 20 for their second and final exhibition match against Quincy. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.

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Players Mentioned

#6 Amadeo Carbo: M; 6' 1"; Junior; Hamelin International Laie / New York Institute of Technology

#28 Armel Kouassi: F; 5' 11"; Junior; Homewood-Flossmoor

#16 Alejandro Pacheco: MF/F; 5' 9"; Junior; Iowa City

#10 Fernando Pacheco: F; 5' 7"; Junior; Iowa City

#20 Aziz Tahir: D; 6' 0"; Junior; Park Center / Dubuque

#7 Drew Whalen: F/MF; 6' 1"; Junior; Peoria Notre Dame

#34 Tim Hansen: GK; 6' 5"; Freshman; Rheingauschule

#33 Tim Trilk: GK; 6' 2"; Freshman; Boylan Catholic

Players Mentioned

#6 Amadeo Carbo
: 6' 1"; Junior; Hamelin International Laie / New York Institute of Technology
: M

#28 Armel Kouassi
: 5' 11"; Junior; Homewood-Flossmoor
: F

#16 Alejandro Pacheco
: 5' 9"; Junior; Iowa City
: MF/F

#10 Fernando Pacheco
: 5' 7"; Junior; Iowa City
: F

#20 Aziz Tahir
: 6' 0"; Junior; Park Center / Dubuque
: D

#7 Drew Whalen
: 6' 1"; Junior; Peoria Notre Dame
: F/MF

#34 Tim Hansen
: 6' 5"; Freshman; Rheingauschule
: GK

#33 Tim Trilk
: 6' 2"; Freshman; Boylan Catholic
: GK