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Western Illinois University Athletics

Rachael Keating
1
Winner Denver DEN (7-2-4, 3-0-1)
0
Western Ill. WIU (2-10-1, 1-3-0)
Winner
Denver DEN
(7-2-4, 3-0-1)
1
Final
0
Western Ill. WIU
(2-10-1, 1-3-0)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Denver DEN 1 0 1
Western Ill. WIU 0 0 0

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | WIU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Western Loses in Close Match Vs. Denver

The Pioneers took home a 1-0 win on Saturday in Macomb

MACOMB, IL -- The Leathernecks finished off their three match home-stand on Saturday with a game against Denver, a squad ranking first in the Summit League. Western gave the fans another close match, as the past two played at John MacKenzie Alumni Field were decided by one goal. 

Western started off the match looking nice on the attack, nabbing a pair of corner kicks early on, but were unable to convert on either set piece attempt. Playing through tough wind and rain, the match was a defensive one, as both teams only combined for twelve shots on the day. Western took their first shot in the 24th minute when Quebec native Xavier Gagnon had a chance with a header but just hit it over the bar. 

Denver got off their first shot in the 33rd minute, but missed wide right. Two minutes later, Bryce Willoughby would seize his opportunity after the ball bounced to him with an open goal, and he slotted it away to make it 1-0 in favor of the Pioneers. The 35th minute goal would prove to be the game-winner, as no other goals were scored in the match. 

Western's only shot on goal would come early in the second half, as Liam Gainey's 49th minute attempt was saved by the Denver keeper. Denver would have a few more chances in the match, but Western's defense held strong thanks to strong performances from Gabe Chapa, Tajh Hylton, and Kyle Owen. 

Looking ahead, Western will be on the road next week for a pair of Summit League matches, first against Kansas City, then a rematch with Oral Roberts, this time in Tulsa. 
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