Friday, October 08, 2004

Valparaiso suffered its first Mid-Continent Conference loss of the season on Friday afternoon, dropping a 2-0 match against Western Illinois in Macomb, Ill.

Nowaf Jaman put the Leathernecks on the scoreboard at the 26:15 mark, scoring from 20 yards out after receiving a feed from Nickolas Bohnankamp. Elton Fernandez then scored with just 31 seconds remaining in the first half from the middle of the box to add the insurance goal.

Valpo was never able to beat Western Illinois' goalkeeper David Hanlon though, as he made seven saves in the win. The Crusaders' Jeff Oleck (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral H.S.) made 13 saves, eight in the first half, to keep Valpo in the match.

Western Illinois (6-6, 2-1 Mid-Con) outshot Valpo 22-13 for the contest. Each side won six corner kicks.

Valparaiso (2-5-3, 0-1-2) will head to Fort Wayne, Ind. on Sunday afternoon for a 2 p.m. match against IPFW.