The Eastern Illinois men's soccer team fell 4-1 to Western Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 245 attendees as the Leathernecks used a three-goal first half to secure the victory.
Western Illinois (4-6-2, 2-2-0 OVC) took control early, scoring three goals in the opening half. Xavier Gagnon opened the scoring in the 24th minute off an assist from Jack Schwering. The Leathernecks added to their lead in the 36th minute when George Frost found the back of the net off an assist from Gagnon. Rashidi Ishibwiami scored Western Illinois' third goal in the 40th minute to give the Leathernecks a 3-0 advantage at halftime.
Eastern Illinois (3-6-2, 2-2-0 OVC) responded early in the second half when Sergej Misic scored an unassisted goal in the 51st minute. The goal marked Misic's sixth of the season and gave the Panthers momentum as they looked to cut into the deficit.
However, Western Illinois extended its lead in the 79th minute when Gagnon scored his second goal of the match, with Schwering recording his second assist of the contest. The goal secured the 4-1 final for the Leathernecks.
Misic led the Panthers offensively with three shots, including two on target. Keidin Green also recorded three shots, with one on goal, while Shuto Ishikawa added one shot. Eastern Illinois finished with nine shots, including three on goal, and earned eight corner kicks.
Western Illinois outshot the Panthers 24-9 and put 11 shots on target. Goalkeeper Kai Odagiri played all 90 minutes for Eastern Illinois, recording seven saves.
Eastern Illinois will look to bounce back in its next match as the Panthers continue Ohio Valley Conference play away on the road as they travel to Edinburg, TX to take on UTRGV on October 11.Â
