CHARLESTON, Ill. - Eastern Illinois men's soccer battled defensively in their home opener against Western Michigan Friday afternoon. The teams played to a 0-0 draw after 110 minutes of play.

The Panthers are now 0-0-3 at the beginning of the 2017 season. Western Michigan holds a 2-0-1 as the collect their first draw of the season.

Western Michigan pressured the Panthers defense throughout the match. The Broncos had a total 28 shots. Brandon Bye led Western Michigan with 13 shots total with seven of them on goal.

Goalkeeper Mike Novotny stepped up big for EIU. He played all 110 minutes in the net and tallied 16 saves for the Panthers. Seven of them coming in the second half.

The Panthers hit the road to play UIC at 7 p.m. Sunday night. EIU will then return for a two game home stand. The Panthers will play Northern Kentucky Sept. 5 and Saint Francis Sept 10.