MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois women's soccer team continued its progress Sunday afternoon, earning a 2-1 victory over Northern Iowa at John MacKenzie Alumni Field behind goals from Callie McMurtrey and Rita Moran.
The Leathernecks came out on the front foot early, creating several opportunities before breaking through in the 17th minute. McMurtrey found the back of the net off an assist from Perla Rios to give Western Illinois a 1-0 advantage.
Western Illinois carried the lead into halftime before continuing to apply pressure in the second half. The Leathernecks doubled their advantage in the 70th minute when Moran finished a chance from Simone Thorst, putting WIU ahead 2-0.
The Leathernecks continued to create chances throughout the match, finishing with 18 shots and 10 shots on target. Mahee-Lee Caron provided a strong presence in goal, making several key saves to help Western Illinois maintain its advantage.
Northern Iowa cut into the deficit in the 89th minute when Ella McGinnis scored, but the Leathernecks held off the late push to secure the 2-1 victory.
For head coach Ross Henderson, Sunday's result represented another important step in the continued development of the Leathernecks.
"We built it from the ground up," Henderson said. "We had to create building blocks in the basics and all defensive structures so that we could stay in games. And recently we have stayed in games."
The Leathernecks' ability to turn that defensive foundation into offensive production was on display Sunday.
"The difference today was we were able to take the front foot, expose the opposition's weaknesses, and finish two very, very good goals," Henderson said. "I mean, we had 18 shots, 10 on target. It is a good example of how competitive the game was with both teams, but an example of how we outright dominated the game."
The victory also marked a significant turnaround from last season, when Northern Iowa defeated Western Illinois 5-0.
"We have a very competitive non-conference schedule," Henderson said. "I mean, this team beat us 5-0 last year, so that's, you know, a credit to us and where we've got to."
While pleased with the progress, Henderson emphasized that the Leathernecks remain focused on continuing to improve as the season moves forward.
"Again, we're not there. We're not the finishing product, but I think even with the competitive games we have coming up, I think we'll get there by the OVC," Henderson said. "Then we just have to turn up and meet our standards and expectations every game, and I believe that we'll be just fine in the OVC."
Sunday's victory gives Western Illinois another building block as the Leathernecks continue toward Ohio Valley Conference play.
"But again, it's just a step," Henderson said. "We have a lot more to work on, there's no doubt."
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