Fayette, Mo. - The No. 3 Central Methodist Men's Soccer team opened the 2021 campaign with a solid victory over NCAA Division I member Western Illinois by a score of 2-0 Thursday night at Davis Field. 

It marks the fourth win over an NCAA DI opponent this calendar year for Central, including back-to-back wins over the Leathernecks. 

The Eagles outpaced WIU on offense, finishing the evening with 15 shots including four shots on goal. 

In the 33rd minute of action, a breakaway started by Christian Sanchez to WIU's half of the field led to an own goal by the Leathernecks following a cross sent in by Marcos German. With a 1-0 lead for the Eagles in the 35th minute of play, the match was delayed for 90 minutes due to lightning in the area. 

When play resumed, the Eagles collected their second goal of the match in the 59th minute. Sanchez scored on another breakaway, slipping the ball past the keeper behind two well placed passes from Stefano Campisi and Alessandro Salvadego. 

The Central defense held the Leathernecks with out a shot in the second half, going on to earn the 2-0 shut out victory. 

Sanchez and Victor Luengo led the offense with three shots apiece, while both Salvadego and Campisi each collected an assist. Overall the Central offense outshot WIU, 15-3 during the match. 

CMU will head out on the road to face Bethel (Ind.) Saturday, Sept. 4 for a 12:00 p.m. showdown in Mishawaka, Ind. 

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