MACOMB – Omaha women's soccer team delivered one of the most dominant performances of the season, crushing Western Illinois 7-1 on September 14, 2025, at John MacKenzie Alumni Field. Grace Bartlam and Emma Hampton each scored twice as the Mavericks scored seven unanswered goals before the Leathernecks managed a late consolation.
The onslaught began immediately as Emma Hampton found the net after just 80 seconds, assisted by Charley Kort. Before Western Illinois could recover, Kendall Dobberstein doubled the lead in the 3rd minute with an unassisted strike, leaving the home side shell-shocked.
Grace Bartlam took center stage with a spectacular individual performance, scoring in the 18th and 35th minutes to give Omaha a commanding 4-0 halftime lead. Both goals came from unassisted efforts, showcasing her ability to create and finish opportunities single-handedly.
The Mavericks showed no mercy after the break, with Kayla Hassler adding a fifth goal in the 41st minute. The unassisted strike continued Omaha's trend of individual brilliance that overwhelmed the Western Illinois defense throughout the match.
Hampton secured her brace in the 50th minute, this time assisted by Bartlam, as the pair combined to make it 6-0. The goal highlighted the excellent understanding between Omaha's attackers, who repeatedly carved open the Leathernecks' backline.
Payten Ivins joined the scoring party in the 53rd minute with another unassisted goal, extending Omaha's lead to 7-0 and completing one of the most comprehensive first-hour performances in recent memory.
Western Illinois finally found a response in the 70th minute when Abigail Schilling scored, assisted by Simone Thorst. The goal provided minimal consolation for the home side, who had been thoroughly outclassed by the rampant Mavericks.
The devastating early double strike by Hampton and Dobberstein set the tone for Omaha's dominant display. Scoring twice in the opening three minutes immediately put Western Illinois on the back foot and they never recovered their composure.
Bartlam's two-goal first-half performance demonstrated her exceptional form and finishing ability. The forward's movement and clinical striking repeatedly punished the Western Illinois defense, who struggled to contain her throughout the match.
Omaha's ability to score five unassisted goals highlighted the individual quality throughout their squad. Players consistently created their own chances through skill and determination, overwhelming the home defense with waves of attacking talent.
The Mavericks' relentless pressing and quick transitions repeatedly caught Western Illinois off guard. The home side's inability to maintain possession under pressure led to numerous turnovers that Omaha ruthlessly exploited.
Hampton's opening goal after just 80 seconds was the perfect start for the visitors. The quick strike immediately put pressure on Western Illinois and set up what would become an avalanche of goals.
The variety of scorers for Omaha - with six different players finding the net - demonstrated the depth of their attacking options. The widespread contribution made it impossible for Western Illinois to focus their defensive efforts on any single threat.
Schilling's late goal for Western Illinois prevented a complete shutout and gave the home fans something to cheer. The strike, while ultimately meaningless to the result, showed character from a team that refused to completely surrender despite the scoreline.
The comprehensive victory will serve as a massive confidence boost for Omaha as they continue their season. The clinical finishing and dominant performance sends a clear message about their offensive capabilities to future opponents.
For Western Illinois, the heavy defeat requires immediate attention to defensive organization and mental resilience. The Leathernecks must quickly put this result behind them and focus on bouncing back in their next fixture.
Scoring Summary:
01:20 - OMA - Emma Hampton (Charley Kort)
02:34 - OMA - Kendall Dobberstein (unassisted)
17:32 - OMA - Grace Bartlam (unassisted)
34:30 - OMA - Grace Bartlam (unassisted)
41:12 - OMA - Kayla Hassler (unassisted)
49:47 - OMA - Emma Hampton (Grace Bartlam)
52:49 - OMA - Payten Ivins (unassisted)
70:12 - WIU - Abigail Schilling (Simone Thorst)
Final Score:
Western Illinois 1, Omaha 7