Soccer Game Preview: Lincoln-Way West vs. Lincoln-Way East

The Lincoln-Way West Warriors will challenge the Lincoln-Way East Griffins at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday. Lincoln-Way West's offense has struggled lately (the team hasn't scored more than a single goal for three straight games), a trend the team is no doubt ready to end.

The home team had won the previous five meetings between Lincoln-Way West and Sandburg, and Lincoln-Way West kept the tradition alive. While the 1-1 score might suggest a draw, it was the Warriors who were credited with the victory on Thursday. Lincoln-Way West got it done in the shootout by posting four goals to Sandburg's two. Lincoln-Way West haven't had any issues with Sandburg recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.

Lincoln-Way East is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Illinois' top teams: Lincoln-Way Central, who was ranked third at the time (Lincoln-Way East was ranked 22nd). The Griffins' defense stepped up to hand the Knights a 3-0 shutout on Thursday. Considering Lincoln-Way East have won five matchups by more than two goals this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

Lincoln-Way East is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-2 record this season. As for Lincoln-Way West, the victory got them back to even at 4-4.

Lincoln-Way West might still be hurting after the 5-0 loss they got from Lincoln-Way East in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Warriors have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.