Skip To Main Content

Upcoming Events and Recent Results

Western Illinois University Athletics

Group
Rachael Keating

Otsuka Makes his Presence Known

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Essacu and Otsuka team up to defeat Illinois-Springfield in preseason opener

MACOMB, Ill. – Newcomer Daisuke Otsuka made his presence known as he scored the game winning goal for Western Illinois in a 1-0 victory over Illinois-Springfield on Wednesday evening (Aug. 21). 

"Exhibition play is about trying to see your guys in a real game," Director of Soccer Dr. Eric Johnson said. "Having the extra 20 minutes was good. That may be the most guys I've ever had play in my life, that's because there is so much competition right now. We saw some things today and the extra 20 minutes helped us score a goal."

After both teams were tied scoreless at the end of 90 minutes, each side agreed to play two 10 minute overtime periods with no golden goal. 

Early into the second additional period, Gimale Essacu secured the ball just inside the box off a clearance and quickly found Otsuka, who spun and placed it smoothly into the top left corner beating the outstretched Prairie Stars goalkeeper at the 104-minute mark. 

"Defensively we were pretty good. Our attack was average, we created some things but the final product is going to take a little while. Illinois-Springfield is a good team, they worked hard and they wanted to win. It was very competitive and that's the game you need in preseason. We're just fortunate that we found a goal late that was a good goal."

Senior Tim Trilk and Freshman Seanan Main teamed up to preserve the shutout and stopped a total of three shots while the back line for WIU held UIS to just six total opportunities. 

The Leathernecks wrap up exhibition play against Quincy on Saturday (Aug. 24), before diving into the regular season on the road against Milwaukee (Aug. 30) and Green Bay (Sept. 1). 
 
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Now Playing:

Related Stories