EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The Eastern Illinois men's soccer team has beaten Liberty University, 3-1, in penalty kicks to advance to the Ohio Valley Conference semifinals. This marks the first conference tournament win for the Panthers since 2007.  

In an uneventful first half, both teams opted to study the opponent given the importance of the match. The Flames were able to get ten shots during the first 45 minutes but none were deadly enough to hurt the Panthers. EIU ended the initial half with only one shot. 

In the second half, both teams came back for an equally matched fight. The Flames kept possession of the ball for the better part of the second half, but were unable to transform that into any good scoring opportunities. As the end of the game approached, Liberty had a total of 11 shots compared to the Panthers 6. At that point, the Panthers and the Flames did not want to risk the spot in the semifinal, therefore, both teams decided to keep good defensive shape until the final whistle, which took the game to overtime. 

During overtime, EIU was once again able to show its strong defensive game to keep the match scoreless, as the Flames pursued the back of the net. At the end of overtime, neither team was able to get on the scoreboard, taking the battle to penalties. 

Goalkeeper Chad Smith finished the game with nine saves in goal for the Panthers. 

First up to take a penalty was none other than the Panthers top scorer, Sam Eccles, to give EIU the 1-0 lead. After keeping EIU in the race, he was followed by Felipe Kerr Lourenco, and Maxwell Allen, who also converted their penalties. On the goalkeeper's side, Chad Smith made an appearance once again, as the junior goalkeeper saved two of the Flames penalties to secure EIU's advance into the tournament semifinals. 
 
Up next: EIU will be back in action next Wednesday, Nov. 8th. to take one Incarnate Word in Edwardsville, Ill. Kickoff scheduled for 3:00p.m