Western Illinois men’s soccer started off the season with a strong showing, winning an eight-game streak and a Mid-Con Tournament MVP. However, the team lost back-to-back games to Oral Roberts and Denver to finish the year with only one win. In 2004, WC won three games and finished second to Denver in the Summit League. In 2005, WC won three games and finished fourth in the league.
Eric Johnson Soccer
In 2007, Johnson’s squad had its best season in program history, winning the NE-10 Tournament for the first time since 2003. In addition to the regular season, Johnson also helped lead the Penmen to their first postseason appearance since joining the NCAA. In 2007, they won their first NE-10 tournament, which was a career highlight for them. While at Pace University, Johnson played both lacrosse and soccer at Suffield High School.
As a head coach, Johnson will oversee the men’s and women’s soccer programs at Western Illinois University. He has previously served as Director of Athletics and as Head Coach for both teams. He also has expanded his responsibilities as Director of Soccer at WIU, serving as the head coach for both men’s and women’s soccer programs. After completing his tenure at Western, Johnson will take over as the Women’s Soccer Coach and Director of Athletics at WIU.
A graduate assistant coach in the soccer program under Dr. Eric Johnson, Charlie Bales has played professionally for the Cedar Rapids Rampage in the Major Arena Soccer League (2015-16). He also spent five seasons with the Des Moines Menace in the Premier Development League. In addition to playing professionally, Charlie Bales is a graduate assistant coach in the program. At Western, he most recently worked for the FC United Soccer Club in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Additionally, he spent time with the FC United Soccer Club in the Midwest.
Despite significant injuries during his high school career, Eric Johnson has maintained a high level of excellence. His impressive kicking abilities have earned him numerous accolades and awards. He was named to the NEILA East-West Senior All-Star Game and was named to the NEILA East and West Second Team. At the high school level, he was also recognized as an All-Area and Division II All-Star.
The team’s record under Johnson was a whirlwind of accomplishments, including six regular-season and tournament championship titles. He has also led the Leathernecks to a third consecutive Summit League Tournament. With the addition of a goalkeeper and two strikers, the ‘Western Illinois’ team has a strong chance of advancing to the next level. With these accolades, Johnson has established his place as a successful coach.
In his first season as head coach, Johnson has led the Western Leathernecks to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. They had a solid tenth season and won the Summit League Tournament, as well as the conference’s tournament. In the last five games, the team went 4-0-1. Afterwards, they won the Summit League title for the fourth time in seven years. Moreover, the team’s top scorer, Charlie Bales, was All-Summit League and All-Region.
A former collegiate player, Johnson has also won the Traditions Award for outstanding leadership qualities and work ethic. The award is given to an athlete who understands the tradition of the university and demonstrates a strong work ethic. During his playing career, he has won the BVAL and NCAA tournaments. Besides soccer, Eric Johnson is also a successful coach in football. The goalkeeper’s career has gone hand in hand, with the football team averaging over four touchdowns a season.
The two-year run Johnson enjoyed in West Michigan was quite successful. In 2004, the Leathernecks won the Summit League Regular Season Championship with a 9-0 record. In 2004, they defeated Oakland and Oral Roberts in the regional semifinals. The previous year, the coach led the team to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time. This season, the WC team advanced to the regional finals. The WC Leathernecks also played a number of strong matches at home.
In the 2014 season, the WC Leathernecks won the Summit League, defeating IUPUI 1-0. They were the first team in the conference to win three titles. With an 8-10-1 record, the team ended the season with a 3-3 record. It was a good year for the Leathernecks. They won the Mid-Con Tournament and earned All-Newcomer honors. At the end of the season, the WC Leathernecks finished fourth overall, with a 3-2-1 league record.