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CHARLESTON, Ill.  – Eastern Illinois men's soccer opened the 2023 season on Monday night with a 1-0 win over Governor's State marking the first time since the 2018 season EIU has opened the year with a win.
 
EIU's start to the season was delayed from last week when the originally scheduled opener was canceled last Thursday against the University of Chicago due to excessive heat.
 
Despite the delayed start to the season the Panthers offense found an early chance as they converted a turnover at midfield into the only goal of the match in the 7th minute.
 
Julian Smith created the turnover near midfield and moved the ball forward connecting with Sam Eccles who provided a quick touch to Lesego Maloma for the goal.   Smith and Eccles both picked up an assist on the fast-break piece.
 
EIU had eight total shots in the match with three additional shots on goal.  Eccles had two shots on goal with Lenni Kirschner adding the other.  GSU goalkeeper Marcol Chandre made two second half saves on shots by Eccles and Kirschner.
 
Defensively EIU allowed three shots on goal with EIU goalkeeper Chad Smith making two of his three saves in the final 15 minutes of action.