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SYDNEE
0
Milwaukee UWM (2-1-1, 0-0-0)
0
Western Ill. WIU (0-1-3, 0-0-0)
Milwaukee UWM
(2-1-1, 0-0-0)
0
Final
0
Western Ill. WIU
(0-1-3, 0-0-0)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Milwaukee UWM 0 0 0
Western Ill. WIU 0 0 0

Game Recap: Women's Soccer | | WIU Athletic Communications

Leathernecks Shut Out Panthers

Western Illinois earns second clean sheet of 2022.

MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois women's soccer team was in action Friday (Sept. 2), hosting the Milwaukee Panthers in a game that finished as a scoreless draw. Fueled by quality play from goalkeeper Isabel Navas Rodriguez and a strong defensive effort, Western earned its second clean sheet of 2022 after finishing with three all of last season.
 
"It was a very competitive game… Milwaukee's a brand-new team versus the one that we remember from previous years so we were excited to come out and play them at home and just see who could come out on top," head coach Josée Primeau said. "I saw a lot of good from both sides and I think that we did well to hold them off throughout the game. They definitely had a lot of chances, we had a couple that we could have capitalized on too, but I'm happy with the way that the girls played today."
 
Western almost got on the board in the early minutes of the game, with Leah Ahlers' shot to the bottom right corner of the net forcing a save from the Panthers goalkeeper to keep the game level. Both teams traded blows throughout the rest of the game, each side taking what the other would give in a back-and-forth affair. In the end, however, neither side found the back of the net and the game finished without a goal.
 
Milwaukee would take 21 shots to Western's eight, with the total number of shots on frame finishing 4-3 in favor of the Panthers. Olivia Heinert led the team in total shots with three (one on goal), playing the full 90 minutes for the second time in four games, while Navas Rodriguez tied a season-best mark with four saves.
 
"Isabel was lights out today. She was a big factor in our draw last week against IUPUI and then again tonight so having her be on her best gave the girls a bunch of confidence while providing a lot of stability at the back," Primeau said. "(Olivia Heinert) did really well, she works so hard. She's still trying to learn how to play off some of our returning players and she'll get there with time but for now her work ethic is just making a big impact.

"I think Emmy Ellington also did really well in the back. She brings a calming presence which is really good for us, organizes the defense, and can play out of the back. She did her job well tonight," Primeau added.
 
With the result, Western now has two clean sheets after finishing with three all of last season. Friday's result also marked the first time since 2019 that WIU has rattled off two-consecutive shutouts, when the Leathernecks rattled off three-straight.
 
"These girls are eager and they're hungry. They just want to compete," Primeau said. "Maybe we aren't putting as many goals away as we have in previous years but they understand the importance of keeping a clean sheet."
 
Western is back in action on Sunday, hosting Loyola Chicago at 1 p.m. at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
 
 
 
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