EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The Eastern Illinois men's soccer team suffered a 1-0 loss on the road to the Incarnate Word Cardinals. With the loss, EIU wraps up the season falling in the semifinal round with an overall record of 4-10-5.
In a tough first half battle the Panthers and Cardinals fought for the upper hand. The Cardinals kept more possession of the ball, but struggled with the final pass until four minutes left in the half when Sello Diphoko broke through the Panthers defense to put UIW up 1-0 at halftime. The best chance for the Panthers came from a throw-in from
William Bruce around the 35th minute. As the ball bounced from one player to another in the box the panthers tried to get a foot on it but were stopped by the Cardinals goalkeeper.
As tensions grew in the game, EIU returned to the second half looking for the equalizing goal.
Sam Eccles,
Maxwell Allen, and
William Bruce led the Panthers in shots, but were unable to get on the scoreboard. Defensively, the Cardinals were able to hold off the Panthers pressure until the final whistle.
In goal,
Chad Smith recorded eleven saves for the Panthers.
