NASHVILLE, TENN -- In their final out-of-conference match of the 2022 season, Eastern Illinois men's soccer was defeated 2-0 on the road by the Belmont Bruins Wednesday night. With the loss, the Panthers drop to 1-10-3 overall on the season.
The Bruins were able to get offensive penetration early and often, but EIU was able to keep Belmont off the board for the first half as
Chad Smith registered five saves in the first half on 19 shots faced and Belmont's offensive attack was hampered by two first half offsides calls. Offensively for the Panthers,
Sam Eccles got off the only EIU shot in the first period as the first half ended in a scoreless tie. In the second half, the Panthers were able to get off two shots and afford themselves two corner kick opportunities, but were unable to capitalize. The Bruins ultimately broke through with a goal by Liam O'Brien in the 57th minute. Esteban Leiva added another goal nine minutes later to ice the game for Belmont.
Eccles recorded a shot in both halves for the Panthers to give him 39 for the season.Â
Delphy Sabu registered one shot in the second half. Smith once again played all 90 minutes at goalkeeper for the Panthers, recording seven saves. He now has a total of 75 saves for the season.
Up next, the Panthers will host the 17th-ranked Denver Pioneers at Lakeside Field for senior day on Saturday, October 29. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 AM CT.
