MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois women's soccer team returns to action Saturday, Aug. 15, traveling to Carbondale for a 1 p.m. matchup against Southern Illinois. The contest marks the first-ever meeting between the Leathernecks and Salukis.
FIRST-EVER MEETING
Saturday's contest will be the inaugural matchup between Western Illinois and Southern Illinois women's soccer. The Leathernecks and Salukis will both look to earn their first victory of the 2026 season after opening the year with losses.
LEATHERNECKS OPEN SEASON
Western Illinois opened its 2026 campaign Wednesday with a 3-0 loss to Indiana State at John Mackenzie Alumni Field.
The Sycamores scored twice in the opening 22 minutes before adding a third goal in the 65th minute. Indiana State finished with an 18-4 advantage in shots and put 12 attempts on goal, while the Leathernecks recorded four shots, including three on target.
Goalkeeper Lillian Johns turned in a strong performance in net, making nine saves on 12 shots on goal. Western also held Indiana State scoreless over the final 25 minutes of play.
Despite the result, the Leathernecks saw opportunities offensively and will look to be more efficient in front of goal against the Salukis. Freshman Nelly Beliveau said the team will need to capitalize on its chances moving forward.
"This game was hard and not the result we wanted, but we had chances to score. We just need to capitalize on them," Beliveau said.
Head coach Ross Henderson also emphasized the importance of improving possession and maintaining discipline with the ball as Western prepares for its second match of the season.
LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK
Both teams enter Saturday's matchup looking to rebound from opening-day losses. Western Illinois will look to build on the chances it created against Indiana State while continuing to establish its possession game. Southern Illinois will look to carry its second-half offensive pressure into Saturday's contest.
The first-ever meeting between the Leathernecks and Salukis is set for a 10 a.m. kickoff Saturday in Carbondale.
SALUKIS OPEN WITH 1-0 LOSS
Southern Illinois also enters Saturday's contest at 0-1 after dropping a 1-0 decision at Southeast Missouri Thursday night in Cape Girardeau.
The Redhawks scored with just over a minute remaining in the first half, taking a 1-0 advantage into the break. Southern Illinois was held without a shot on goal during the opening 45 minutes before increasing its offensive pressure in the second half.
Maya Dixon, Nao Katamoto and Dior Knorr each recorded a shot on goal for the Salukis, but Southern Illinois was unable to find the equalizer.
Senior goalkeeper Reagan Miller made three saves in the season opener.
FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS
For all the latest information on Leatherneck Women's Soccer, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
