Who: Green Bay & Purdue
Where: Green Bay, WI & West Lafayette, IN
When: 9/4 & 9/7 5:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m.
5 Games In
Through its first five matches, the Leathernecks sit at (1-4-0), having opened with a strong 2–0 win over St. Ambrose, followed by four tough battles on the road (losses to Drake 0–5, Northern Iowa 0–4, Illinois State 0–5, and Indiana State 0–3). The Leathernecks will look to find the same success they had in the opening match of the season on the backs of their experienced players.
1st Half Focus
One trend through the opening stretch has been opponents striking early. In the first five matches, the Leathernecks have allowed 14 of 17 goals in the first half, with only three conceded after the break.
Against Indiana State, WIU gave up three quick goals in the opening 15 minutes but then held the Sycamores scoreless for the final 75 minutes, with goalkeeper
Ariel Bernard recording 10 total saves. At Northern Iowa, the Panthers tallied four first-half goals but were kept off the scoreboard entirely in the second half. If the Leathernecks can stop the early goals, they will find themselves in more favorable positions later in the match.
Leathernecks Stars
The Leathernecks on offense have been led by Turner so far this season, as she recorded both goals this year for the Leathernecks against St. Ambrose. Daoudi and McMurtrey have consistently tested opposing defenses. Gularte has been the anchor of the defense this year. Bernard had her first career shutout to open the season against St. Ambrose and recorded 10 total saves in her last outing.
Scouting Green Bay (0-3-1)
The Phoenix enter the matchup looking for their first win of the season. Green Bay has created scoring chances but has also allowed goals in bunches, giving the Leathernecks an opportunity to capitalize. WIU will aim to use its defensive strength to limit the Phoenix and turn offensive opportunities into goals.
Scouting Purdue (2-3-1)
The Boilermakers provide another challenging non-conference test for the Leathernecks. As a Big Ten opponent, Purdue brings size, depth, and speed across the field. For WIU, the matchup is about sticking to its identity—defending with intensity, creating chances in the attack, and using the experience from the first part of the season to compete at a high level.
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