DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake men's soccer team (1-2-0) picked up their first victory of the 2023 season with 1-0 decision over Western Illinois (0-3-0). The Bulldogs benefitted from an early score and staunch defensive play in the second half to earn the win.
Drake outshot Western Illinois 12-4 and attempted six corner kicks to the Leathernecks' two. One of the Bulldogs' corners proved profitable as leapt to head a offering into the back of the net. The 20th-minute score was the only goal of the match and Holtebeck's first of the season.
Western Illinois came out of the halftime break with increased energy but could not mount any genuine threats.