MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois women's soccer team returns home Sunday afternoon when the Leathernecks welcome the Green Bay Phoenix to John MacKenzie Alumni Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Western Illinois enters Sunday's matchup following a 5-0 loss to South Dakota State on Thursday at Fishback Soccer Park. The Leathernecks battled throughout the contest against the Jackrabbits but were unable to overcome an early deficit.
South Dakota State opened the scoring in the 17th minute before adding another goal late in the first half to take a 2-0 advantage into the break. The Jackrabbits added three more goals in the second half to secure the victory.
Western Illinois goalkeeper Lillian Johns entered the match at halftime and recorded four saves during the second half. Abigail Schilling started in goal during the opening 45 minutes and also recorded Western's lone shot on goal of the contest.
The Leathernecks continued to rotate their lineup throughout the match, giving several players valuable minutes as Western Illinois continues its non-conference schedule.
SCOUTING GREEN BAY
Green Bay enters Sunday's match with a 3-0-2 record after playing St. Thomas to a 1-1 draw Thursday at Aldo Santaga Stadium. The Phoenix have remained undefeated through their first five matches of the season, marking the first time Green Bay has accomplished the feat since the 1988 season.
St. Thomas opened the scoring in the 65th minute when Izzy McEwan found the back of the net to give the Tommies a 1-0 lead.
Green Bay responded just six minutes later. Aixa Helbringer-Escobar found Ryann Hafenbrak in the 71st minute, with Hafenbrak scoring her first goal of the season to level the match at 1-1.
The Phoenix controlled much of the offensive play, finishing with a 14-5 advantage in shots and earning 10 corner kicks. Goalkeeper Anna Scott made three saves to help Green Bay secure its second consecutive draw.
"I give credit to Saint Thomas, who I thought had a very good plan and executed it well," Green Bay head coach Matt Kagan said. "I am happy with our response after giving up the goal. We generated ten corners and unfortunately didn't put one in the back of the net. The best thing about college soccer is there's always another game right around the corner. I expect that our performance on Sunday will be up to our standard."
PHOENIX OFFENSE
Helbringer-Escobar enters Sunday's match leading Green Bay with two assists on the season. Hafenbrak's goal against St. Thomas marked her first of the 2026 campaign.
The Phoenix have produced a balanced attack through their first five matches while remaining unbeaten at 3-0-2.
HOME SWEET HOME
Sunday marks Western Illinois' return to Macomb following its road matchup with South Dakota State. The Leathernecks will look to use their home field advantage as they continue through the non-conference portion of their 2026 schedule.
