MACOMB, Ill. – The Drake University women's soccer team hits the road for a brief road trip to take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Friday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. in Macomb.
 
The Bulldogs lost a dramatic match to South Dakota, 2-1, on Tuesday night. Sophomore midfielder Libby Helverson ricocheted a shot off a defender and into the back of the net to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead in the 86^th minute, but the Coyotes struck quickly in response, netting scores in the 87^th and 88^th minutes to steal a win in a thrilling match.
 
Drake (2-5-1) played well despite the loss, generating season-bests in shots (20) and corner kicks (12) while limiting South Dakota to a season-low nine shots. The Bulldogs will look to earn points for the fourth time in five matches against Western Illinois.
 
"Going on the road to another Summit League opponent coming off this loss will be a test for us," said Drake head coach Lindsey Horner. "I'm excited to see how our team responds and which of our players step up."
 
Scouting Western Illinois
 
The Leathernecks will bring a 2-4-1 record into Friday night's match after losing their last three contests. The Leathernecks' three-game skid can largely be chalked up to their offense running dry as they haven't scored a goal in three matches.
 
Western Illinois has been much stronger within friendly confines in 2018, posting a 2-1-0 record at home.
 
Last season the outfit from Macomb posted a 3-14-1 record, and the team was picked to finish ninth in the Summit League this year.
 
In 2018, the Bulldogs notched a 2-1 win over the Leathernecks in Des Moines. Hannah Bormann scored the game-winner in the 84^th minute on an assist by Vanessa Kavan.
 
Sophomore forward Amy Andrews leads Western Illinois with three goals and six points this season. She is joined in the attack by junior forward Lauryn Peters, who was named by Summit League coaches as a player to watch in the conference.