MACOMB, Ill. - The IUPUI men's soccer team continued to build on its early season confidence with an impressive road win at Western Illinois on Friday night (Sept. 3) by a 1-0 score. Illinois-native Logan Finnegan scored his first collegiate goal on a penalty kick in the 79th minute and Lucas Morefield recorded his first career shutout in goal. 

Western Illinois (0-2) finished with a 17-7 shot advantage, but the only one that mattered came in the closing minutes of regulation from Finnegan. Finnegan drew the foul to earn the PK and then delivered the goods in a return to his home state. The sophomore intercepted a back pass intended for the WIU goalkeeper and then was fouled working along the end line for an easy penalty call. 

It gave IUPUI its first road win since September 2019 and first non-conference road win since August 2015. 

"The win is amazing, especially because it's some of the guys' first ever collegiate win," Finnegan said. "We all came together and gave it everything we had. I'm so grateful to have the teammates that I have and wouldn't trade them for anyone else."

After two strong showings to start the year, IUPUI (1-1-1) finally came away victorious as head coach Brian Barnett's defense pitched its first shutout of the campaign. Morefield made three saves as the back line allowed WIU attempts, but very few that were dangerous. 

At the other end, Rayan Choukri and Chris Workman paced the IUPUI attack with two attempts each. Both of Workman's attempts were on target, accounting for WIU goalkeeper Alex Flowers' only two saves of the night. 

The match had a lengthy first half delay due to an injury suffered by WIU's Paul Kidorf. 

"First and foremost, our hearts and prayers are with the Western Illinois soccer program after the injury suffered by Paul," Barnett said. "I wish them the best as they continue to move forward.

"I am delighted for our team to get the result tonight. I know how hard they work and how much they care and am happy to see them be rewarded. I was also pleased to see the individual and collective confidence build across our team. And in signature fashion, they earned this result by being fierce competitors from start to finish."

Veterans Corey Goede and Tommy Patacca continued to set the defensive tone, playing all 90 minutes to anchor the group. Workman also played all 90 in the midfield and Gianni Catenacci played virtually the entire match in the defensive third as well. 

After going .500 in a stretch of three road matches to start the year, the Jags will finally return home to host Wright State in Horizon League play on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.