Charleston, IL – The Western Illinois women's soccer team battled back from an early deficit to even the score before halftime, but Eastern Illinois found the go-ahead goal in the second half as the Leathernecks fell 2-1 in Ohio Valley Conference action.
Eastern Illinois opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Alex Tetteh found the back of the net off an assist from Amelia Mundo.
Western Illinois responded in the 37th minute, with the Leathernecks leveling the match at 1-1 on a team goal. WIU continued to create opportunities throughout the first half, putting pressure on the Panthers' defense and carrying the tied score into halftime.
Goalkeeper Mahee-Lee Caron helped keep the Leathernecks in the match, making several key saves in the opening half, including stops on attempts by Amara Leppla and Abby Reinl.
The Leathernecks carried their momentum into the second half, generating multiple scoring opportunities. Callie McMurtrey forced a save in the 52nd minute, while Mya Gelinas and Madeline Stickelmaier tested the Eastern Illinois goalkeeper later in the half. Stickelmaier's attempt struck the woodwork in the 56th minute.
Despite the continued pressure from Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois regained the lead in the 79th minute when Leppla scored off an assist from Tetteh.
Western Illinois pushed for an equalizer in the closing minutes. Claire Brown struck the post in the 88th minute, followed moments later by Rita Moran hitting the opposite post as the Leathernecks narrowly missed tying the match.
Caron finished the contest with multiple key saves as Western Illinois continued to compete until the final whistle.
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