Valparaiso, Ind. - In a late night match, preseason Missouri Valley Conference second favorite hands Eastern Illinois its first loss of the season.
Just like in the previous exhibition match against UIC, the Panthers showed good strength and organization defensively by holding off Valpo's initial pressure. With only ten minutes left until halftime, Sam Gountounas scored the only goal of the half after a give and go passing combination in between the Panther's defense.
Early in the second half, a cross into the box found Allie Anderson's head to give Valpo a 2-0 lead in the 48th minute.
Later in the half, EIU picked up the intensity and after winning a battle on the offensive side of the field,
Ella Onstott found freshman
Abby Reinl, who scored her first college career goal after a header. EIU finished the match with three shots.
Goalkeeper
Ella Kratochvil posted three saves in net for the Panthers. In the second half
Ashlyn Hoover made her appearance logging another two saves.
The Panthers will return to action on Sunday hosting Illinois Springfield at 3 p.m. at Lakeside Field.
