Photo Gallery (by Dayton Simpson)

The Eastern Illinois men's soccer team (2-10-2, OVC 1-6-1) finished Saturday's contest in a tie 2-2 against OVC opponent Southern Indiana (2-12-2, OVC 1-5-2) at Lakeside Field. This marks the first draw in conference play for the Panthers this season.

EIU started with momentum, as they were able to capitalize in the 16' minute to score the first goal of the match to push the Panthers out front 1-0. Jake Pollack found the back of the net off a cross from David Brown for the first goal of his 2024 crusade.

Southern Indiana wasted no time after the initial goal, as David Davila evened the score for the Screaming Eagles in the 19' minute. The EIU defense stood tall for the remainder of the half as the score was tied at one a piece heading into the break.

USI found success once again in the 60' minute, extending their lead to 2-0 after Jackson Mitchell was able to beat the goalkeeper for an unassisted score. EIU answered quickly in the 62' minute, as Felipe Kerr-Lorenso found David Brown for a header off of a free kick, evening the score at two a piece.

EIU kept the pressure up for the remainder of the half, but was unable to punch in the go ahead goal before time expired. USI goalkeeper Andrew Klott finished with eight saves, six of which came in the final 20 minutes.

The Panther's offense was on full display, finishing the contest with a season high 10 shots on goal on 22 total shots. The EIU offensive efforts were led by freshman Adam Boykin and Jackson Liley as Boykin fished the match with four shots on goal while Liley recorded three.

Eastern Illinois is back in action on Thursday, Oct. 31 as they take on the Lindenwood Lions at 4pm at Lakeside Field.