MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois men's soccer team returns to John MacKenzie Alumni Field Thursday afternoon when the Leathernecks host Omaha at 4 p.m.
Western Illinois enters the matchup with a 2-3-1 record following Sunday's 2-0 setback at UIC. The Leathernecks created several scoring opportunities throughout the match, but UIC goalkeeper Owen Cornell turned away Western Illinois' attempts to preserve the shutout.
Goalkeeper Harvey Bolland provided a strong presence in the Western Illinois net, finishing with seven saves. Bolland made three stops in the opening half before adding four more after halftime, keeping the Leathernecks within reach throughout the contest.
Offensively, Western Illinois saw contributions from several players. Xavier Gagnon and Jason Hufnagle recorded first-half shots, while Gagnon, Fabrizio Kasperiski, Adam Reiniger, Rashidi Ishibwiami and Ty Duax added attempts after halftime.
The Leathernecks will look to turn those opportunities into goals Thursday while returning to a home field where they have already picked up a victory this season.
SERIES HISTORY
Thursday's matchup marks the 12th all-time meeting between Western Illinois and Omaha. The Leathernecks are 2-8-1 against the Mavericks, with their last victory coming in 2015.
Western Illinois will look to snap a lengthy stretch without a win against Omaha and add another home victory to its 2026 campaign.
SCOUTING OMAHA
Omaha enters Thursday's match with a 3-2-2 record after falling 2-1 to Saint Mary's on Sunday at Caniglia Field.
The Mavericks grabbed the opening goal in the 31st minute when Derek Johnson finished a chance created by Lucas Foreman. The goal marked Johnson's second of the season, while Foreman recorded his second assist.
Omaha held the advantage through halftime before Saint Mary's found an equalizer in the 77th minute. The Gaels then scored again in the 86th minute to complete the comeback and hand the Mavericks their second loss of the season.
The Mavericks have scored consistently during their opening seven matches and will provide another test for a Western Illinois defense that has received steady play from Bolland.
UP NEXT
Western Illinois and Omaha meet Thursday at 4 p.m. at John MacKenzie Alumni Field in Macomb.
FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS
For the latest information on Leatherneck men's soccer, visit GoLeathernecks.com. Fans can also follow Western Illinois men's soccer on X, Instagram and Facebook.
