MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois women's soccer team returns home Sunday, hosting Northern Iowa at 2 p.m. at John MacKenzie Field.

The Leathernecks enter Sunday's matchup looking to bounce back after a 5-0 setback at Drake on Thursday. Western Illinois battled the Bulldogs throughout the opening half, with goalkeeper Mahee-Lee Caron making five saves to keep the Leathernecks within striking distance heading into halftime.

Drake opened the scoring in the 30th minute before adding a second goal in the 61st minute. Western Illinois goalkeeper Lillian Johns entered in the 66th minute and recorded four saves, but the Bulldogs added three goals late in the contest to secure the victory.

Western Illinois will look to build on its defensive effort against a Northern Iowa team coming off a 5-0 loss at Iowa State on Sunday. The Panthers were outshot 31-8 in the contest, with Ella Ubben leading UNI with four shot attempts, including two on goal. Hailey Luedtke made three saves during the opening half, while Poppy Anderson added two saves after halftime.

Sunday's contest marks the first meeting between Western Illinois and Northern Iowa since the 2025 season. The Leathernecks will look to take advantage of their home field as they continue through the early portion of the 2026 season.

SCOUTING NORTHERN IOWA
Northern Iowa enters Sunday's matchup following a 5-0 loss to in-state rival Iowa State. The Panthers managed eight total shots, with three finding the target. Ubben leads the team with four shots in the contest, while Kylie Knief recorded two attempts.

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