Box Score

MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois put together one of its strongest all-around performances of the young season Sunday afternoon at John MacKenzie Alumni Field, showing improved composure, energy and physicality while scoring its first goal of the year in a 3-1 match against Eastern Washington.

The Leathernecks came out with a different level of intensity, competing with the Eagles from the opening whistle and working to stay organized defensively. Eastern Washington generated six shots in the opening half, but Western Illinois remained within striking distance thanks in part to two saves from goalkeeper Mahee-Lee Caron.

Eastern Washington broke through late in the first half when Reese Kincaid scored in the 44th minute, sending the Eagles into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

The Eagles added to their lead in the second half when Deanna Montero scored in the 54th minute to make it 2-0.

Despite the deficit, the Leathernecks continued to battle and maintained the energy that had been evident throughout the afternoon. Head coach Ross Henderson said the team's shape, tenacity and physicality were among the biggest improvements he saw.

"Just all round, the shape was very good off the ball, our tenacity, our energy, our physicality," Henderson said. "We ruffled the feathers of the other team, and we haven't really done that for 90 minutes this year so far. It was really good to see the camaraderie, support and energy throughout the whole game from everyone."

Eastern Washington extended its lead to 3-0 in the 88th minute when Mia Miconi scored. The assist was credited to Faith Hines.

Western Illinois, however, continued pushing forward and finally broke through late in the match. Rita Moran scored in the 90th minute off an assist from Callie McMurtrey, giving the Leathernecks their first goal of the season.

The goal came as a result of Western Illinois committing numbers forward and looking to create an attacking opportunity.

"I think we did well as a team moving together in that moment," Moran said. "We had decided we were going to try to go for an attack, which I think we need to do going into other games. We found a good ball through, and I was lucky enough to be on the end of it."

Henderson said the goal could provide an important boost for a young group as it continues to grow together.

"There's like breaking the ice in a new group. Once you get through it, hopefully more will come," Henderson said. "We have the experience of scoring. The joy from the team was incredible, and that will help carry us through."

The Leathernecks showed improvement in possession as well, with Moran pointing to the group's composure and willingness to trust one another.

"I think as a whole, we just kind of went into it together, really trusting each other and believing that we could do well and possibly get a result," Moran said. "We came out more composed and relaxed, passed the ball, kept it and worked really well as a team."

Mary Kate Cunniff also emphasized the team's ability to combine its intensity with more composure on the ball.

"I think today, my team came out with a lot of fire and immediately had a lot of pressure and fight," Cunniff said. "With that, we also came with composure, and we were able to move the ball better. I think that's something that we can definitely build on with these upcoming games, and defending as a unit, I thought that was really good."

Eastern Washington finished with an 11-3 advantage in shots and a 5-2 edge in shots on goal, while Caron recorded two saves for Western Illinois.

While the result did not go Western Illinois' way, Henderson said the performance provided a foundation for the Leathernecks to build upon moving forward.

"I still think we have to tidy up in the final third," Henderson said. "There were many other moments we could have had shots on goal or created good chances. But, admittedly, getting that first goal, we can build from that and move forward."
 

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