MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois men's soccer team bounced back in an impressive fashion Thursday, defeating Eastern Illinois 4-1 at John MacKenzie Alumni Field in Ohio Valley Conference action.
The Leathernecks wasted little time applying pressure, with Xavier Gagnon opening the scoring in the 24th minute. Jack Schwering provided the assist as Gagnon put Western Illinois ahead 1-0.
Western Illinois doubled its advantage in the 36th minute when George Frost found the back of the net, finishing a pass from Gagnon to make it 2-0.
Just four minutes later, Rashidi Ishibwiami added to the Leathernecks' lead with a goal in the 40th minute. The score marked the first goal of Ishibwiami's Western Illinois career, giving the Leathernecks a commanding 3-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Eastern Illinois cut into the deficit early in the second half, scoring in the 51st minute to make it 3-1. Western Illinois responded by continuing to create attacking opportunities and eventually restored its three-goal lead.
Gagnon scored his second goal of the afternoon in the 79th minute, finishing another assist from Schwering to secure the 4-1 victory.
The win provided a strong response for the Leathernecks following Sunday's 3-1 loss to Southern Indiana, as Western Illinois delivered a four-goal performance on its home field.
"It's great, but I think it's expected," Gagnon said. "We've been working extremely hard this week and staying focused on what we have to do. It's a great feeling to bounce back at home."
With the victory, the Leathernecks will look to carry their momentum into Sunday's matchup against Lindenwood, the defending OVC champions.
"We just have to keep the same mentality, work hard, earn our wins, win our individual battles and stay focused on the game," Gagnon said. "I think we can go pretty far this year."
Western Illinois returns to action Sunday against Lindenwood.
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