CHARLESTON, Ill. – Goalkeeper Sean Molony made a season-high 11 saves to help keep Creighton off the scoreboard as Eastern Illinois men's soccer battled the Missouri Valley Conference league leader to a scoreless draw Saturday afternoon at Lakeside Field.

The Panthers (5-6-3, 2-4-1 MVC) managed to record a standings point against Creighton (6-3-4, 4-2-3 MVC) for only the second time in Valley action. It was EIU's first shutout against the Bluejays since 1984.

 

The scoreless draw was the second of the year for the Panthers, and third for Creighton.

With his sixth shutout of the season, Molony has established a new individual EIU record in the program's MVC era (1996-present). He posted his second double-figure save total of the year, both coming against Creighton. Ryan Eames (2002) is the only other Panther goalkeeper this decade to record a pair of 10-plus save efforts in the same season.

 

“Sean played really, really well,” EIU head coach Adam Howarth said. “I think everybody's commitment and passion was there today. They all committed and worked hard. Certainly the field [conditions were] an equalizer in some respects. But we got a point against a very good team that has won numerous [conference] championships. We're very happy from a confidence standpoint as we move on and it gives a shot at making the [MVC] tournament.”

Jerry Maddi had EIU's best scoring chance of overtime but missed high in the 97th minute with a blast from 15 yards out in the center of the field.

Creighton enjoyed a 28-15 edge in the shot count, but the Panthers had a 4-1 advantage in overtime. Eastern also had a 3-2 edge in corner kick chances, although there was only one such opportunity in the final 65 minutes of the game.

 

Molony made diving saves in the 15th, 24th, 65th, 66th and 80th minutes. His best save of that quintet was the final one, as he was able to deflect a point-blank shot by Jeff Thayer near the left post. Eastern was able to clear the ensuing corner kick.

 

Molony gave up a rebound when he stopped a Seth Sinovic free kick in the 66th minute. The Panthers were fortunate when Dion Acoff missed wide left on a second-chance opportunity near the post. Molony was also able to get his hands on Sinovic free kick in the 65th minute.

 

Ethan Finlay had a good scoring chance for the Jays in the 56th minute, but his one-touch shot at point blank range following a cross sailed just high over the crossbar.

 

For EIU, Mike Picinich and Trevor Kohlrus both had good chances on headers. Picinich won a long ball served into the heart of the 18-yard box in the 17th minute, but CU goalkeeper Brian Holt was in good position to easily snare the ball. Kohlrus was wide open on the left side of the box in the 62nd minute, but his header off an Alex Harrison free kick from the west sideline was wide left of the post.

 

Holt finished with four saves.

 

Eastern defenders Jeff Kupiec, Chris Pearson and Kyle Zumski all went the distance. Ryan Warren, Kohlrus and Nick Bonacker split up time at the other spot among the back four. Harrison and Maddi also went the distance among the EIU field players. Evan Philpott logged 56 minutes to lead the reserves. The six Panthers that saw action off the bench accounted for six of EIU's 15 shots.

Eastern returns to action Monday for its nonconference finale against Asbury. Kickoff at Lakeside Field is slated for 3 p.m.

More Info: Contact Ben Turner, Asst. SID