MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois men's soccer fell 3-0 to Houston Christian on Thursday, as the Huskies scored three second-half goals to pull away from the Leathernecks.
Western Illinois created several opportunities in the opening half, with Xavier Gagnon recording three shots and Maksim Palisak putting a shot on target that was saved by Houston Christian goalkeeper Harvey Heeps. Nathan Bessinger and Fernando Adrados Castro also looked to find the back of the net as the Leathernecks pushed for an early advantage.
Goalkeeper Harvey Bolland kept the match scoreless in the first half, making a key save on a shot from Samuel Sebagabo in the 35th minute. The teams entered halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
Houston Christian broke through in the 53rd minute when Marcos Moore scored off an assist from Andrew Dillett. The Leathernecks continued to search for an equalizer, with Gagnon, Fabrizio Kasperiski and Jack Schwering testing the Huskies' defense. Heeps came up with saves to keep Western Illinois off the scoreboard.
The Huskies added a second goal in the 86th minute before Aidan Lopez found the net in the 89th minute off an assist from Ryan Okerayi to secure the 3-0 result.
Western Illinois continued to battle late, with Kasperiski and Maksim Palisak putting additional shots toward goal, but the Leathernecks were unable to break through.
The Leathernecks will look to bounce back Sunday October 18th vs. University of the Incarnate Word on senior day.
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