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Photo Gallery (by
Sandy King)
CHARLESTON, ILL -- Eastern Illinois men's soccer scored multiple goals for the first time this season, but could not overcome some critical mistakes on defense as the Panthers fell 3-2 at home to the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles. With the loss, the Panthers drop to 1-6-1 overall on the season and 0-2-0 in Summit League play.
The Panthers attacked early and often, firing off 10 shots in the first half and affording themselves five first half corner kick opportunities.Â
Sam Eccles was again the focal point for EIU's offensive attack, scoring the game's first goal in the 18th minute to give the Panthers a 1-0 advantage. USI answered with a goal by Ednilson Voiles, who overran the EIU defense in the 23rd minute to tie it up 1-1 at halftime.
Both defenses locked down in the second half, as each team was only able to record four shots apiece. Eccles was finally able to break through and score his second goal in the 73rd minute on a header off of an assist from
Maxwell Allen to give EIU a 2-1 lead. However, USI's Sam Benoist answered with a goal of his own in the 80th minute to tie things back up. Voiles then found Benoist again, who got behind the EIU defense for a second goal just 20 seconds later. EIU had one final shot to tie the game in the waning seconds, but
Adrian Lechuga's shot off of a corner went wide right and USI was able to run out the clock.
Despite the loss, the Panthers had their best offensive output of the season as Eccles led the team with four shots, including three on goal. He also became the first Panther to score two goals in a single game since Zach Medawattage did so in 2017.Â
Chad Hamler and
Lesego Maloma each also recorded three shots on goal for the Panthers, while
Prince Okonny had two and
Julian Smith had one. Overall, the Panthers recorded 14 shots and 12 shots on goal, both season highs.
Up next, the Panthers head back on the road to take on the Lindenwood Lions on Wednesday, October 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM CT.
