Macomb, Ill. – The Western Illinois Leathernecks will kick off their preseason schedule with an exhibition match-up against Northern Illinois on Wednesday, August 4, at 2 p.m. At John MacKenzie Alumni Field. Admission to the preseason contest is free, giving fans their first opportunity to see the 2026 Leatherneck squad in action.

The exhibition match will mark the first of two preseason contests for Western Illinois as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The Leathernecks will officially open regular season play on Wednesday, August 12, at home against Indiana State.

The upcoming season marks the second year at the helm for head coach Ross Henderson, who looks to continue building the program with a roster featuring a blend of returning experience and new talent. The Leathernecks return 10 players from last season while welcoming 12 newcomers to the program.

Western Illinois enters Wednesday's match-up with a 5-4-3 all-time record against Northern Illinois. The last meeting between the two teams came in 2018, when the Leathernecks earned a 1-0 victory over the Huskies.

The preseason opener will provide Western Illinois with an opportunity to evaluate the roster, develop team chemistry, and prepare for the challenges ahead of the regular season.
 

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