'Necks seek to pick up second home win against Drake
Western Illinois University Athletics Media Services
Issue date: 10/7/09 Section: Sports
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The Fighting Leathernecks (2-6-0, 0-1-0 Summit League) lost to Summit League foe UMKC in the 106th minute Saturday, Oct. 3. Western Illinois is 2-2 in its last four matches after beginning the season with four straight losses.
The Bulldogs (5-3-1, 1-0-0 Missouri Valley) are coming off a 3-1 victory at Bradley their last time out. Drake enters Wednesday's match with a 2-1-1 record in its last four matches, including a 2-2 tie against then No. 17 Northwestern on Sept. 25.
Scouting the Bulldogs
Drake is coming off a 3-1 victory over Bradley its last time out. The Bulldogs have also recorded victories over DePaul, Marquette, UAB and Oral Roberts this season.
Drake's three losses came at the hands of Memphis, UMKC and then No. 22 Michigan. The Bulldogs played then No. 17 Northwestern to a 2-2 tie on Sept. 25.
The Bulldogs are led by head coach Sean Holmes, who is in his 12th season at Drake.
Holmes carries a career record of 170-124-25 (.572) into Saturday's match. He came to Drake after spending four seasons as the top assistant at Evansville. Holmes also spent five seasons as the head coach at Baker University, compiling a 78-26-2 record while leading Baker to three straight NAIA District 10 titles (1991-93).
Offensively, the Bulldogs are led by senior forward Garrett Webb, who has tallied 10 points on four goals and two assists this season. Webb scored both goals in a 2-0 win over DePaul to begin the season. He was selected to the 2008 all-Missouri Valley Conference first team after leading the Bulldogs in goals last season.
On defense, Drake is led by junior goalkeeper Michael Drozd, who has compiled a 5-3-1 record this season. Drozd has also recorded two shutouts while posting a 1.42 goals against average and a .586 save percentage this season. He was selected to the all-Missouri Valley Conference second team in 2008 after compiling a 12-4-1 record and a 1.01 goals against average.
Familiar Foes
Wednesday's meeting is the 19th all-time between the two schools.
The Leathernecks and Bulldogs have played each other every season since 1998. Western is 6-5-0 against Drake since the '98 season.
Looking for 150
Western Illinois head coach Dr. Eric Johnson will be looking to pick up his 150th career victory this Saturday. Johnson was 43-53-4 at Loras College before coming to Western and is 106-119-17 in his time with the Leathernecks.
Series History
Western Illinois is 7-11-0 all-time against Drake. The Leathernecks have won five straight in the series, including a 2-1 double-overtime victory over the Bulldogs last season.
Next Up
The Leathernecks will host IUPUI in Summit League action at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10.
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