Eastern Illinois (3-6-3 OVC 2-2-1) vs. Incarnate Word (3-6-2 OVC 2-2-1)
Thursday, October 15
At Charleston, Ill. (Lakeside Field)
Live Stats I ESPN+
Eastern Illinois vs. Houston Christian
Sunday, October 18
At Charleston Ill. (Lakeside Field)
Live Stats I ESPN+
ON TAP: The Eastern Illinois men's soccer team continues its 2026 season this week as the Panthers prepare for matchups against Incarnate Word and Houston Christian. Eastern Illinois will look to build momentum and strengthen its position in the Ohio Valley Conference standings as the regular season continues.
The Panthers enter the week at 3-6-3 overall and 2-2-1 in OVC play following a 4-1 loss against Western Illinois on October 8 and then a 1-1 draw against UT Rio Grande Valley on Sunday, Oct. 11. Eastern Illinois showed resilience in the second half, responding to an early UTRGV goal with an equalizer from forward Sergej Misic in the 54th minute.
MISIC MAGIC: Misic continues to be a key contributor to the Panthers' attack, leading the team with seven goals on the season. Against UTRGV, he recorded six shots, including three on target, while providing the equalizing goal to help EIU earn a road point.
Eastern Illinois also demonstrated its ability to create offensive opportunities, outshooting UTRGV 15-11 and earning eight corner kicks. Goalkeeper Kai Odagiri played all 90 minutes and recorded three saves to help the Panthers secure the draw.
INCARNATE WORD: In the 2025 season, the Panthers got the best of Cardinals beating them 2-0. EIU had 16 total shots, 9 of which were on goal. The Panthers look to build last year's victory against the Cardinals to boost conference rankings.
HOUSTON CHRISTIAN: Houston Christian will face Western Illinois on October 15 prior to their match against EIU. The Huskies got the best of the Panthers last year beating them 3-0. The Huskies allowed the Panthers 13 shots and only 5 of them were on goal. 7 Seniors will also be recognized before the Sunday match for Senior Day. The 7 players being honored consist of #2 Patrick Osilaja, #6 Andre Ecker, #7 Sergej Misic, #17 Luiz Anchieta, #20 Daniel Freire, #25 Marcos Ayelo, and #31 Rafael Lara.
NEXT UP: Eastern Illinois faces Lindenwood on the road on October 23 and then makes the trip back to Lakeside Field for a match against USI on October 29.
