Eastern Illinois men's soccer battled St. Thomas to a 1-1 draw Sunday afternoon at Lakeside Field as the Panthers closed out their season-opening homestand weekend with a tie against the Tommies.
Eastern Illinois moved to 0-2-1 on the season, while St. Thomas improved to 1-1-2.
The Panthers struck first in the 29th minute when Adam Boykin scored his first goal of the season. Boykin put EIU ahead after receiving an assist from Santiago Montoya, giving the Panthers a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Eastern Illinois held the lead through the opening stages of the second half, but St. Thomas eventually found the equalizer in the 77th minute. Eliot Beaumale scored an unassisted goal at the 76:19 mark to even the match at 1-1.
Neither team was able to find a game-winning goal during the final 14 minutes as the Panthers and Tommies settled for the draw.
Eastern Illinois finished with a 14-12 advantage in shots, including an 11-7 edge in the second half. The Panthers put three shots on frame, matching St. Thomas' total of three shots on goal.
Sergej Misic led the Panthers with six shots, while Keidin Green and Marcos Ayelo each added two. Boykin recorded one shot on goal and converted the Panthers' lone goal.
Goalkeeper Samuel Toruno made two saves in 90 minutes of action for EIU. St. Thomas goalkeeper Damian Climent also recorded two saves.
The Panthers return to action Saturday, Sept. 5, when they continue their homestand against Northern Illinois at Lakeside Field. Kickoff is set for 3pm.
