MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois men's soccer heads to Texas for its final road trip of the regular season, taking on UT Rio Grande Valley on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex. The Leathernecks look to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to Incarnate Word, while the Vaqueros enter after a 2-2 draw against Houston Christian.

LAST TIME OUT

Western Illinois created several scoring opportunities against Incarnate Word on Sunday but fell 1-0 after a second-half goal proved to be the difference.

Xavier Gagnon recorded an early shot on target, while Ty Duax struck the crossbar in the 29th minute. The Leathernecks continued to pressure UIW after halftime, but Diego Robles scored in the 57th minute to give the Cardinals the lead. Western Illinois pushed for an equalizer late but could not find the net.

MATCHUP TO WATCH

The Leathernecks will look to turn their scoring opportunities into goals after generating chances against Incarnate Word. Maintaining defensive discipline and finishing in the final third will be key against a UTRGV team that has demonstrated its offensive ability.

SCOUTING UTRGV

UTRGV enters Saturday's matchup after a 2-2 draw against Houston Christian. Junior Elias Taj scored in the 10th minute, and sophomore Sammy Jadid added a goal in the 51st minute, but the Huskies equalized in the 73rd minute.

Taj leads the Vaqueros with five goals and 12 points this season, while Jadid has added three goals. UTRGV outshot Houston Christian 16-9, and goalkeeper Conrad Knight recorded four saves.

Saturday's contest will also serve as Senior Day for the Vaqueros.

UP NEXT

Western Illinois faces UT Rio Grande Valley on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. in Edinburg, Texas, as the Leathernecks continue Ohio Valley Conference play.

FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS

For all the latest information on Leatherneck men's soccer, visit GoLeathernecks.com. Fans can also follow Western Illinois men's soccer on X, Instagram and Facebook.