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Leathernecks Fall To Panthers

| By: WIU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Box Score CHARLESTON, Ill. - Western Illinois University Women's Soccer traveled over to the east side of the state, battling in-state rival Eastern Illinois in Charleston. The Leathernecks had some decent momentum going into the match, picking up four points in their last four matches and dropping a 1-0 contest to first-place Little Rock. Sunday's match saw the Leathernecks fall behind early and became unable to get back into the match despite a few chances. 

EIU had a perfect start on Sunday afternoon, scoring 65 seconds into the match. EIU played well for the ensuing ten minutes before WIU then had ten solid minutes of play. From the 13th to 24th minute, WIU attempted three corners and had four shots. Alanna Pennington had a great chance to equalize in the 17th but the Panther keeper made a great save with her legs to keep her side in front. 

Momentum swung back towards Eastern's side for the last 20 minutes of the first half, as the Panthers had a few chances, but didn't find the back of the net again until after the halftime break. 

In the second half, things got away from the Leathernecks as Eastern Illinois poured on three goals. The highlight of the match was EIU forward Alex Tetteh's free kick goal, putting the ball in a perfect spot in the top corner past an outstretched Bernard. Western struggled to build attacks in the second half, and the Panthers capitalized by out-shooting the Leathernecks 12-4 in the final 45. 

Over the full match, Western Illinois lost the shot battle, 8-15. Sunday's shot difference of -7 is tied for the Leathernecks' best mark all season, as they were also out-shot 8-15 in a loss to Green Bay on September 5. EIU had ten shots on goal compared to the two from the Leathernecks, and the Panthers also won the corner battle, 7-3. 

Eight starters played the full 90 minutes in Sunday's match, as all starters but Sydnee Sagal, Alanna Pennington, and Claire Brown stayed in for the entire match.

The Leathernecks will host a pair of matches at John MacKenzie Alumni Field this week, as WIU takes on UT Martin on Thursday before hosting Tennessee Tech for Senior Day on Sunday, October 20. The matches will be pivotal for Western Illinois as they seek qualification to the OVC Women's Soccer Championship, where the top eight teams punch a ticket to the tournament. 
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