MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois men's soccer opens the 2026 regular season Saturday when the Leathernecks host Quincy University at 5 p.m. at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
Saturday's match-up will also serve as Western Illinois men's soccer's Welcome Back Game, welcoming students back to campus for the start of the academic year. Students in attendance will have the opportunity to receive a Leatherneck punch card as part of the game's promotions.
The match-up marks Western's first regular-season contest following a strong preseason showing against defending NJCAA Division I national champion Indian Hills Community College. The Leathernecks played Indian Hills to a 2-2 draw Monday after building a two-goal advantage against the nation's top-ranked junior college program.
Ty Duax and Diego Porras each found the back of the net for Western in the preseason contest. Porras converted a penalty kick during the second 30-minute period as the Leathernecks built a 2-0 lead before Indian Hills scored twice in the final period to level the match.
The exhibition provided Western with an early opportunity to test itself against one of the top programs in junior college soccer while continuing to build chemistry between a roster that features both returning players and newcomers.
Now, the focus shifts to Quincy.
The Hawks and Leathernecks met last season in a tightly contested match-up that was decided in the final seconds of regulation. Quincy scored at the 89:50 mark to claim a 1-0 victory despite Western holding a 17-14 advantage in shots and forcing nine saves from the Hawks' goalkeeper.
Benjamin Graham led the Leathernecks with three shots in last year's meeting, while Alexis Beltran and Jack Schwering combined for eight attempts off the bench. Western created several opportunities throughout the match but was unable to find the finishing touch before Quincy delivered the decisive goal late.
This year's Leathernecks will look to turn the lessons from both last season's match-up and Monday's preseason test into a strong start to the regular season.
Saturday's contest is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
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