MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois men's soccer team opens Ohio Valley Conference play Saturday, Sept. 26, traveling to Eastern Illinois for a 2 p.m. matchup at Lakeside Field in Charleston, Illinois.
The Leathernecks enter the conference opener at 2-4-2 after battling IU Indy to a 3-3 draw Tuesday night in Indianapolis.
IU Indy took an early lead in the 13th minute, but Western Illinois answered seven minutes later when Xavier Gagnon converted a penalty kick to tie the match. The Leathernecks created several chances throughout the first half, with shots from Maksim Palisak, Jason Hufnagle and Joel McIntyre.
After IU Indy regained the lead in the 73rd minute, Western Illinois responded again. Fernando Adrados Castro scored in the 78th minute off an assist from Jokubas Samsonas to make it 2-2.
The Leathernecks then took their first lead of the night in the 88th minute. Gagnon scored his second goal of the match, with Guillaume Brunet providing the assist. IU Indy found the equalizer in the final minute to finish the match at 3-3.
Gagnon enters Saturday's match with a strong offensive performance in his most recent outing, while Adrados Castro and Samsonas also played key roles in Tuesday's result.
Eastern Illinois comes into the OVC opener at 1-4-2 overall. The Panthers are coming off a 2-1 loss at Marshall on Tuesday night after opening the week with a 4-1 victory over Chicago State.
Junior Marcos Ayelo leads the Eastern Illinois attack and was named the OVC Offensive Player of the Week this week. Ayelo recorded two goals in the Panthers' win over Chicago State and has been an important part of the EIU offense throughout the season.
Saturday's match marks the first OVC contest of the season for both teams. With conference play beginning, Western Illinois will look to carry the momentum from Tuesday's comeback effort into its first league match.
Harvey Bolland started in goal for the Leathernecks against IU Indy and recorded saves before Drew Heller took over to begin the second half.
Western Illinois will look to continue building on its offensive performance against IU Indy while opening conference play with a strong road performance.
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