CHARLESTON, Ill. - The Eastern Illinois men's soccer team (2-12-2, OVC 1-8-1) came up short 3-0 against SIUE (10-4-3, OVC 8-1-1) at Lakeside Field in their final game of the 2024 season. The Panthers celebrated 12 seniors as part of the Senior Day celebration prior to Sunday afternoon's match.

Both teams came out the gates with momentum, keeping it even for a majority of the first half. Eastern Illinois tested SIUE goalkeeper Rob Gjelaj, recording three shots on goal in the initial 45 minutes. Chad Smith received the start in goal for the Panthers and held down the back line as he logged five saves in the opening half. SIUE would break open the game, as Karson Gibbs notched the match's first goal in the 43' minute to put SIUE up 1-0 heading into the half.

Coming out of the break, SIUE continued to push as Gibbs would find success once again in the 49' minute, scoring his second goal of the afternoon to extend the Cougar lead to 2-0. EIU continued to push, firing five additional shots on goal in the remaining 20 minutes of the match. However SIUE was able to capitalize for their third goal of the evening to push them out front 3-0.

Samo Hassoun was the leading shot taker for the Panthers, logging three shots on goal within 10 minutes of action in the second half. Jackson Liley and Jake Pollack also lead the offensive efforts for EIU, each finishing with a shot on goal of their own.