Box Score

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PEORIA, Ill. – The Eastern Illinois men's soccer team fell to Bradley, 2-1, in overtime at Shea Stadium on Thursday night.

Freshman Garet Christianson found the back of the net in the 28th minute to get the Panthers (1-1) on the scoreboard first. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native dribbled the ball past two defenders off a pass from classmate Spencer Filosa who tallied his first career assist.

The lead wouldn't last long as the Braves (3-0) tied the match in the 31st minute when Christina Meza scored his second goal of the season after intercepting a pass in the box and knocking the ball between the legs of EIU goalkeeper Evan Turner.

Bradley's Bryan Gaul scored the final goal of the match only five minutes into overtime (95th minute) just inside the right post off an assist by teammate Mike Hnat, giving the Braves their first 3-0 start since 2000. Gaul has scored the game-winning goal in all three of Bradley's matches.

The Braves took seven more shots (20-13) than the Panthers and one more corner kick (7-6). EIU committed 21 fouls to Bradley's 13.

Graham Lynch paced the Panther attack with three shots in the match while Gaul took a team-high five shots (two on goal) for the Braves.

Turner played 95 minutes in goal for the Panthers, making two saves and allowing two goals. Bradley's Brian Billings made two saves between the pipes.

The Panthers return to action at Central Arkansas on Sept. 3 at 4 p.m.