Macomb, IL. – The Western Illinois men's soccer team (3-9-2 overall, 1-2-2 OVC) returns home to the John A. Mackenzie Alumni Soccer Field on Thursday, October 16, for a conference showdown against the University of Southern Indiana (2-7-3 overall, 1-1-3 OVC). Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT, with the match streaming live on ESPN+.

The Leathernecks are looking to bounce back after a hard-fought 1–0 road defeat to Houston Christian on Sunday. Western Illinois held the Huskies to just one second-half goal and matched them 12–12 in total shots. Junior forward Joel McIntyre and junior Xavier Gagnon led the attack, while senior goalkeeper Micah Ramirez made three saves to keep the match close in WIU's last game.

Southern Indiana enters the contest riding a four-match unbeaten streak, most recently battling to a 2–2 draw against SIUE at home. The Screaming Eagles overcame a 2–0 first-half deficit behind goals from Kadiri Bello and David Davila, with Davila netting his third goal of the week and fifth of the season. Freshman goalkeeper Jacob English recorded seven saves in the comeback effort for USI last game.

Thursday's match will mark the sixth all-time meeting between Western Illinois and Southern Indiana. The all-time series is tied 2–2–1, with the Leathernecks claiming the most recent contest in Macomb, a 2–0 victory.

With both squads jockeying for position in the Ohio Valley Conference standings, Thursday's clash promises to be a tightly contested matchup.

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