MACOMB, Ill. (Duhawks.com) - In their final test before the beginning of conference play, the Loras Men's Soccer team learned some valuable lessons following a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Western Illinois on Monday night. Sophomore Spencer Moore played a role in both of Loras' goals, scoring the first and earning an assist on the second. The Division I Leathernecks proved to be too much, scoring three unanswered to finish the match.

The Duhawks got off to a good start on Monday, scoring in the fourth minute after Moore picked up a loose ball inside the 18 and sent it through traffic and into the back of the net. Unfortunately, Western came right back down the field two minutes later and equalized after some smooth one-touch passing in the attacking third.

Loras learned a lot about themselves throughout the match as the Leathernecks handled Loras' pressure well and used their speed on the outside to catch the Duhawks in transition.

After Western went ahead in the 26th minute, the Duhawks kept their composure and tallied the tying goal three minutes later after a scramble inside the penalty area. Senior Mike Gordon worked his way through traffic to the loose ball and put home the winner for his first goal of the year.

The even score was short-lived as Western came right back down and drew blood once again, this time on a strike from outside the box, beating sophomore Jacob Peterson to the near post.

At the end of the first half, the Leathernecks owned a 15-5 advantage in shots and the 3-2 lead on the scoreboard.

The second half saw an inspried Loras side open and create some looks in the opening minutes. Unfortunately for Loras, they couldn't direct their shots on target, leaving the goalkeeper unchallenged.

Western added goals in the 60th and 78th minutes to put the game away for good and hand Loras their second consecutive loss. It's the first time since October 2010 that Loras has lost back-to-back games.