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Kyle Owen
Sarah Ritter

Leathernecks Hit the Road to Face St. Thomas

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

WIU plays in St. Paul, Minn., on Saturday.

Who | Western Illinois (1-6-6, 1-1-2 SL) at St. Thomas (2-9-2, 1-2-1 SL)
When | Saturday (Oct. 22) – 4 p.m.
Where | South Soccer Field – St. Paul, Minn.
Social media | Instagram + Twitter + Facebook 

Matchup History: With St. Thomas currently playing in just their second season at the Division-I level, Saturday's contest marks the second time in program history that the Tommies and Leathernecks have played one another. The lone matchup came on Oct. 16, 2021, which saw Kyle Owen record two assists in a 2-1 Western Illinois victory. Alex Flowers finished with one save as eight current Leathernecks featured in the game.

Scouting the opponents: St. Thomas is currently 2-9-2 and coming off back-to-back losses against Omaha (0-1) and Oral Roberts (0-5). The Tommies, who currently sit just behind WIU in the Summit League standings, have allowed more goals than any other Summit League team, and are led offensively by Carver Tierney (three goals) and Jaceck Nickowski (two goals, two assists).

So far this season: Western Illinois is 1-6-6 this season (1-2-2 against Summit League opponents) and is unbeaten in the last three contests, with a 3-2 victory over Lindenwood and two 1-1 draws against Eastern Illinois and Detroit. Currently sitting at fifth in the standings, Western is coming off a matchup against Detroit that saw the bench unit come up big, with freshmen Armin Dedic and Gabe Chapa earning just their second career starts and the trio of Tajh Hylton, Damian Rincon and Adam Miller all making appearances off the bench and earning praise from head coach Dr. Eric Johnson.

Players to watch: In a win over Lindenwood on Oct. 15, Muazu Sagir started and played 59 minutes while assisting Jack Immesoete on his goal that leveled the match in the 25th minute. Against Detroit Mercy on Oct. 18, the Alpharetta, Ga., native scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw, controlling a pass from Oscar Olingdahl and finishing to the goalkeeper's far post. Sagir, who entered the 2022 season with one assist in his Leatherneck career, is having a career-best season and now  leads the team in goals (three), assists (four), and points (10).
 
Oscar Olingdahl has played a big role in the Leatherneck midfield this season, as the freshman has started 10 of his 12 appearances this season and currently sits at fourth on the team in total minutes played (975). A central midfielder from Uppasala, Sweden, Olingdahl recorded the first points of his Western Illinois career on Tuesday, feeding Muazu Sagir for his 21st minute goal. Olingdahl has played all 90 minutes in each of his last four appearances.
 
What's next: Western is on the road for its next contest, facing Southern Indiana on Wednesday (Oct. 26) before coming home to host Oral Roberts in the final regular season home game of the season next Saturday (Oct. 29). Kickoff on Wednesday is scheduled for 6 p.m., whereas Saturday's matchup with ORU is slated to begin at 1 p.m.
 
 
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