Skip To Main Content

Upcoming Events and Recent Results

Western Illinois University Athletics

Kyle
Matthew Brooks

Men's Soccer Faces Eastern Illinois

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Leathernecks head to Charleston on Saturday (Oct. 8) for a Summit League matchup.

Who | Western Illinois (0-6-4, 0-1-1 Summit) at Eastern Illinois (1-7-1, 0-3 Summit)
When | Saturday, Oct. 8 – 11 a.m.
Where | Lakeside Field – Charleston, Ill.
Social media | Instagram + Twitter + Facebook 

Matchup History: WIU has played Eastern Illinois more than any other school in the program's history, matching up 59 times and managing a 19-34-6 overall record. The Leathernecks played host to this matchup last season, with the Panthers visiting Macomb on Oct. 30, 2021, in a game that finished as a 1-0 Western Illinois victory. Arian Mehrang scored off a pass from Ryan DeBois in the 42nd minute and Western's defense came up big with its second shutout in three games.

Scouting the opponents: Eastern Illinois is currently 1-7-1 and in the midst of a multi-game losing streak, most recently falling 2-1 on the road against fellow Summit League opponent Lindenwood. The Panther defense has allowed an average of 2.6 goals per game while struggling to create offensively, scoring seven goals in nine games this season. Same Eccles is the team's leading scorer with four goals and Chad Smith is the team's leading goalkeeper with 43 saves across nine appearances.

So far this season: Western is currently 0-6-4 and coming off a 2-1 loss to Green Bay that saw Muazu Sagir score his second of the year. Prior to the Tuesday match with Green Bay, Western played Kansas City to a scoreless draw that head coach Eric Johnson described as a "gritty" performance. The Leathernecks have done a good job of limiting opposition scoring this season, as the average of 1.4 goals allowed per game ranks second among all Summit League schools while maintaining a clean style of play that ranks third-lowest in the Summit League for total yellow cards and fourth-lowest in total fouls.

Players to watch: Now in his senior season at Western Illinois, Jack Immesoete has played a key role in the Leatherneck midfield this season. After making 10 appearances all of last season, he has appeared and started eight of the team's first 10 matches this year, playing 519 minutes and ranking second on the team in total points thanks to one goal and two assists. After playing 70 minutes in Western's shutout against Kansas City, Immesoete earned praise from head coach Dr. Eric Johnson.
 
Coach Johnson also acknowledged the play of outside backs Caleb Ragland and Luis Rodrigues after the Kansas City game. Both went the full 90 minutes and contained a Kansas Cirty offense that has been potent this season. The duo have combined to make 16 appearances this season with 10 starts, with Ragland ranking seventh on the roster in minutes played after not suiting up last season; Rodrigues is in his first year at Western Illinois and Saturday's match was his second time playing all 90 minutes.

What's next: After playing on the road Saturday, Western Illinois men's soccer will host its next two, welcoming Lindenwood on Saturday (Oct. 15) and Detroit Mercy next Tuesday (Oct. 18) to John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
 
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Now Playing:

Related Stories