Eastern Illinois University Athletics

Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

Eastern Illinois jumped on top of Valparaiso on a Beacons own goal in the opening three minutes of action before adding an insurance goal in the final three minutes to post a 2-0 win Thursday at Lakeside Field.
 
The win was the first season opening win for the Panthers since the 2017 season and marked the first time EIU had opened a season at home since 2022.
 
Abby Reinl pushed the attack against Valparaiso in the third minute of the match with a Beacons defender scoring an own goal when trying to clear Reinl's cross.
 
The Panthers defense held that 1-0 lead the remainder of the match with goalkeeper Ella Kratochvil turning away six shots on goal, all in the first half.  Kratochvil posted her 15th career shutout as she stands along in fourth place in the EIU record book.
 
Reinl's pressure paid off again late in the second half as she crossed into the top of the Valparaiso goal box with Amelia Mundo sending a long outside shot over the Beacons goalkeeper as she was got in between playing the pass and the shot.
 
The goal was her first as a Panther as she had two of the Panthers nine total shots in the match.  Three of the nine shots were on goal.  Katiebeth May and Reinl had the other two shots on goal.
 
It was the season opener for both teams with EIU moving to 1-0, Valpo drops to 0-1.

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