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Jonah Dancer

WIU Host No. 18 Oral Roberts in Home Opener

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Oral Roberts and Western are set for action on Thursday (March 18) and Saturday (March 20).

Who | Western Illinois (0-5-1, 0-5-1) vs. No, 18 Oral Roberts (7-1-0, 5-0-0)
When | Thursday (March 18) at 3 p.m. and Saturday (March 20) at 1 p.m. 
Where | John MacKenzie Alumni Field - Macomb, Ill. 
Watch | Leatherneck All-Access 
Social Media | Twitter + Facebook #TRADITIONofTOUGH

Kickoff | After completing its second bye week of the season, the Western Illinois men's soccer team hosts its home opener against No. 18 Oral Roberts on Thursday. Followed by game two on Saturday at 1 p.m. 

COVID-19 Protocols | After thorough discussion and consultation with university leaders, Western Illinois Athletics decided to decrease seating at all outdoor events this spring; the change limits entry to family members of student-athletes and staff.  Student-athletes will be permitted to have only their families in attendance, admitted via the player pass list. 

Last time vs. ORU | In 2019, WIU defeated No. 20/24 Oral Roberts in the season finale to earn the No. 1 seed in The Summit League Championships. The victory earned the program's fifth regular-season title, and the third time the Leathernecks have earned a share of it. 

The battle for the No. 1 seed in postseason play remained scoreless until the 83rd minute. On a corner, Paul Kirdorf soared the ball to Kyle Owen, who headed it down, finding the feet of a diving Daisuke Otsuka for the 1-0 lead. 

Holding on to the advantage, Ryan DeBois found the back of the net for the eighth time this season. Goalkeeper Tim Trilk earned his first career assist as he launched the ball that was flicked on by Gimale Essacu to DeBois, who buried his shot into the far corner. Oral Roberts added to the wild finish on a goal in the 90th minute.

Last time out | The Leathernecks traveled to Omaha and dropped both matches to the Mavs. Luke Duball netted his first goal of the season in the series finale. 

Debuts | Six student-athletes have made their debuts for WIU this season - Wail Algahim, Kory Soulinthavong, Muazu Sagir, Mekhi Royes, Devan DiGrado, and Alex Flowers.   

Main Man | Seanan Main currently sits third in the Summit in saves (20) and second for saves per game (5.00). The 20  stops place him 35th in the nation and the 5.00 mark sits at 8th overall.   

Scouting the Golden Eagles | ORU is undefeated in Summit League play with a 5-0 record… the Golden Eagles recently dropped the first match of the season vs. Central Arkansas (1-0) on March 10… they have only allowed one goal in league play… Oral Roberts swept Denver on the road in both games and is led by Dante Brigida who has scored five goals and collected three assists.  

Preseason Recognition | Midfielders Cesar Cosio and Paul Kirdorf were named 2021 Summit League Preseason Players to Watch. Kirdrof earned the recognition in back-to-back seasons, while Cosio collected it for the first time in his career. 

Up Next | WIU enters it's next bye week of Summit play and hosts Central Methodist (Mo.) on March 28. League play continues against Kansas City at home on April 1 and 3. 
 
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