Box Score Omaha Men's Soccer Drops Match to Western Illinois
MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois scored early in the first half and held on for a 1-0 win against Omaha in Summit League men's soccer action on Saturday afternoon.
Omaha moves to 4-4-2 on the season and 1-1-1 in the Summit League. The Mavericks currently sit in third place in the conference standings. Western Illinois is 7-4-1 overall and 2-0 in the conference. The Leathernecks sit atop the Summit League standings.
Omaha looked to score the game's opening goal in the seventh minute. Defender Felipe da Silva's shot hit the crossbar and was cleared by the Western Illinois defense. The game's lone goal came in the 9th minute. Austin Gochneaur tapped home a pass from Charlie Bales to give the Leathernecks a 1-0 lead.
“We were switched on from the opening kick-off and played great soccer from box to box,” commented head coach Jason Mims. “We moved the ball around well and found great rhythm.”
The Mavericks had a golden chance in the 35th minute to level the score. Omaha's Logan Mendez shot was blocked out of bounds by Leatherneck goalkeeper Yves Dietrich. Mendez then sent in the ensuing corner kick, which was headed high by Mark Moulton.
The Mavericks, who played at an aggressive pace throughout the game, could not score the equalizer.
Omaha finished with a 13-11 edge in shots in the match, but trailed 4-2 in shots on goal. Joseph Ghitis made three saves for the Mavericks in the loss. Ghitis is now 2-3-1 on the season.
“Soccer is a funny game,” commented Mims. “Even though we did not get the result we wanted, I believe our confidence is higher now than before the game.
Omaha returns to action on Monday, October 20 against Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. The non-conference game is set to start at 7:00 p.m.
