Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

The EIU Men's Soccer celebrated senior day with a 3-1 victory over Western Illinois. The Panthers improve to 4-7-3 (3-3-2 OVC), while Western Illinois drops to 3-10-4 (1-3-4 OVC). 

The Panthers honored seven seniors today. A tight contest would open after Western Illinois knocked on the door early, scoring in the 6th minute of the match. As the game continued, both teams battled for possession. With the fear of trailing at halftime, EIU found the back of the net in the 41st minute. Ben Griffis found the ball at his feet off multiple shot deflections and struck it home to even the match 1-1. After the halftime break, each team struggled to find momentum. However, late in the match, the Panthers exploded for back-to-back goals. In the 77th minute, Gui Gragnano gave the Panthers the lead off the assist from Fabricio Roberti. Roberti crossed the ball in the middle of the box, finding a wide-open Gragnano, who placed the scoring ball on the left side of the net. Just six minutes later, Gragnano put the icing on the cake, striking one into the back of the net off the assist from Roberti. 

By The Numbers: The Panthers recorded 16 shots, including 12 in the second half. The Panthers scored 3 goals and only allowed 5 shots (1 on goal).  

EIU will be back in action on October 30th against Lindenwood before their final match of the regular season facing SIUE at Lakeside Field.