Macomb, IL -Western Illinois University Men's Soccer opens conference play on Saturday when the Leathernecks take on Eastern Illinois University in the "Best is West" game at 1 p.m. CT.

Saturday's match will not be streamed. To follow along, visit goleathernecks.com/sidearmstats/msoc/summary

The Leathernecks have a 4-3 record against the Panthers that dates back to 2017. Losing last year's match 1-2, despite out shooting the Panthers 21-12;  the Leathernecks looks to extend their record this Saturday to 5-3 against their OVC's rival. 

WIU (2-7-0) is coming off a 0-3 loss against Kansas City this past weekend. The Roos out shot the Leathernecks 18-3. While controlling the match, the Roos scored their first two goals in the first half, out shooting the Leathernecks 12-1.  Despite being down 0-2 to start the second half, the Leathernecks came out aggressively on defense.  Allowing only 6 shots from the Roos for the rest of the game. The Roos' final goal came at the 85th minute of the match. The Leathernecks fell 3-0. 

On the other side, Eastern Illinois ( 1-4-1) enters the match after a 0-1 loss against Central Arkansas this past Sunday. Out shooting the Bears 20 to 12, the Panthers gave up the first goal of the game at the 80 minute mark of the match. Falling 1-0 to the Bears. 

Following Saturday's Conference Opener, WIU will host SIUE for another Ohio Valley Conference battle. The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.

Marketing Table
Leatherneck fans, please stop by the marketing table to receive a free " West is Best" T-Shirt.