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Leathernecks to Host IUPUI

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

After losing their first two games on the road, WIU men's soccer will play their regular season home opener on Friday (Sept. 3).

Who | Western Illinois (0-2-0) vs IUPUI (0-1-1)
When | Friday (Sept. 3) at 5 p.m.
Where | John MacKenzie Alumni Field – Macomb, Ill. 
Social media | Instagram + Twitter + Facebook + #TRADITIONofTOUGH

Previous matchup: Western Illinois and IUPUI have faced off many times in program history, with the Leathernecks holding the series lead having gone 11-10-3 in 24 games against the Jaguars.
 
The last matchup was Oct. 30, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind. The game finished as a 2-2 draw and eight players from the current roster featured for the Leathernecks. Paul Kirdorf opened the scoring with a penalty kick goal, and Kyle Owen finished a Cesar Cosio pass to score the second.
 
Players to watch: Paul Kirdorf and Kyle Owen were named by the Summit League as players to watch in the 2021 Fall season, with the announcement coming as part of an Aug. 24 release.
 
After a stellar preseason that saw him net two goals and assist on three in a trio of exhibitions, Kyle Owen will look to carry his form into the rest of this season. The junior defender was Second Team All-Summit League last season after playing 90 minutes in each of his 13 appearances, scoring a goal and adding an assist. Named a captain for the 2021 season, Owen has three goals and an assist through 32 appearances (32 starts) in his Leatherneck career.
 
Kirdorf was named as a player to watch for last season as well, and he ended up making six appearances (five starts) before missing the rest of the season due to injury. The senior from Kaub, Germany, has made 48 appearances (46 starts) for the Leathernecks, scoring five goals and adding eight assists.
 
So far this season: The Western Illinois University men's soccer team dropped both games in their opening series, losing 2-0 at Central Methodist and 1-0 at Drake. Despite having strong defensive outings they have struggled to find the back of the net this season and will look to change their fortunes against IUPUI.

Scouting the opponent: IUPUI has played two games so far this season, a two-overtime scoreless draw against Bowling Green and a 3-1 loss at Xavier. Cameron Hegele was the lone goal-scorer last game, and goalkeeper Lucas Morefield has made four saves in two games.
 
What's next: The Leathernecks play Fort Wayne at 1 p.m. two days later on Sunday (Sept. 5), and kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
 
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