Edwardsville, IL. – The Western Illinois men's soccer team battled for 90 minutes but fell 1-0 to SIUE Thursday night at Ralph Korte Stadium.
SIUE broke through in the 30th minute when Juan Rodas found the back of the net off an assist from Elliott Forestier, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
Western Illinois created several opportunities in the first half to find an equalizer. Ryan Wrobleski put a shot on target in the 23rd minute, followed by attempts from Maksim Palisak in the 26th minute and George Frost in the 28th minute, but SIUE goalkeeper Brady Cochrane turned away each chance.
The Leathernecks kept searching for an equalizer after halftime, applying pressure and creating more chances. Jack Schwering and Xavier Gagnon recorded second-half shots, while Gagnon tested Cochrane again in the 65th minute. Western Illinois also earned corner kicks in the closing stages, including opportunities in the 85th and 89th minutes, but could not find the equalizing goal.
Harvey Bolland started in goal for Western Illinois before Drew Heller took over at halftime. Heller made two saves in the second half to keep the Leathernecks within reach.
Despite the result, Western Illinois kept pushing until the final whistle, looking to extend its conference campaign.
The Leathernecks will look to bounce back in their next game against Southern Indiana Sunday at home.
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