CHARLESTON, Ill. - In a game where getting the triumph was very important for both teams, neither Eastern Illinois or Chicago State could find the back of the net to avoid the scoreless draw this afternoon. The Panthers are now holding the seventh place in the OVC standings with four points, and a 1-4-1 conference record. The Cougars (1-3-2 in the OVC) appear in sixth place with one more point than the Panthers.
The fans who attended Lakeside Field witnessed a balanced first half. Both teams could not afford to lose, therefore, physical battles were all over the pitch. Chicago State ended the half totaling five shots while EIU had two.
Jared Cornejo created the best chance for EIU in the initial half by dribbling past four defenders before being stopped by the Cougar's goalkeeper inside the six yard box.
In the second half, both teams were willing to risk more plays on the offensive third in search of the goal. EIU's best chance came with
Kyle Kimberling on a play built on the right side of the Panther's offense, but Kimberling could not place the shot on target. On the visitors side, a corner kick that ended with a header towards EIU's goal was the most dangerous play created by the Cougars. Goalkeeper
Chad Smith was in the right spot to make an excellent save and keep the scoreless draw.
The draw served as Smith's second shutout of the season as well as second clean sheet for EIU.
Sam Eccles and
Casey Welage led EIU's offense with three shots apiece.
Up next: The Panthers are on the road to take on Southern Indiana on Thursday, Oct. 19th.
