Box Score

CHARLESTON, Ill. - The Eastern Illinois men's soccer team went out with a bang in their last home match of the season defeating in-state conference rivals Western Illinois 2-0 Saturday afternoon. With the win the Panthers keep their playoff hopes alive as they improve to 5-9-1 overall and 2-3-0 in the Summit League. Western Illinois falls to 6-9-1 and 2-3-0 in conference play after dropping their fourth straight match.

EIU made the most of their chances throughout the match with four total shots all on goal. Alex Castaneda picked up his team-leading third goal of the season earning the match-winner in the early minutes of the first period.

Coming off his Summit League Co-Defensive Player of the Week award, Mike Novotny had another stellar match recording six saves to earn his third straight shut out victory and fourth on the year.

Castaneda got the Panther offense going right out of the gate to open the match. Trevor Kerns fed the freshman from the top of the penalty area as Castaneda made a move towards the keeper from the right side of the box. Castaneda ripped a shot across the goal and into the left side netting to put EIU up 1-0 in the 10th minute.

This is the second match in a row that Castaneda has scored the eventual match-winner for the Panthers.

It wouldn't be long before EIU would add to its lead in the first period of the match as Tyler Enright sent a cross into the penalty area in the 23rd minute. Enright's cross found the foot of Marcus Menniti as he made a run into the eight-yard box, allowing the freshman to tap it into the net and give EIU a 2-0 cushion.

The goal marks the first career goal for Menniti at EIU.

The first half came to a close with EIU leading 2-0. The Panthers only recorded two shots in the first period, both were goals. Novotny kept the clean sheet alive during a hectic first period making five of his six saves in the first half as the Leathernecks pressed for a goal.

It was a defensive battle in the second half as both teams only managed two shots throughout the period. The Panther defense held strong in the second period to earn the 2-0 victory.

Jonathan Huerta and Davis Wegmann both recorded one shot on goal in the match. WIU was led by Adam Novak who recorded five shots, four on target.

The Panthers head to Cincinnati next as they make up their postponed match from earlier in the season Tuesday (Nov. 1) at 5 p.m.