Eastern Illinois men's soccer put together a dominant offensive performance Wednesday night, scoring four goals on 22 shots as the Panthers defeated Chicago State, 4-1, in non-conference action.
Eastern Illinois wasted little time finding its rhythm, scoring three goals in the opening 45 minutes to take a 3-1 advantage into halftime. The Panthers continued to control play after the break, adding another goal while limiting the Cougars to just three second-half shots.
Marcos Ayelo led the Panthers with two goals, while Sergej Misic and Keidin Green each added a goal. Misic also recorded an assist, and Shuto Ishikawa finished with an assist as Eastern Illinois totaled four goals and two assists on the night.
Ayelo opened the scoring for the Panthers, finding the back of the net twice in the first half as Eastern Illinois established control early. Misic also scored during the opening 45 minutes and assisted on one of the Panthers' goals.
Chicago State answered with a goal from Darrien Gates II, but Eastern Illinois continued to apply pressure and carried a 3-1 lead into halftime.
The Panthers maintained their offensive attack in the second half, outshooting Chicago State 13-3 after the break. Eastern Illinois added its fourth goal of the night to put the match out of reach and secure the road victory.
Eastern Illinois finished with a 22-7 advantage in shots and placed 13 shots on goal compared to five for Chicago State. The Panthers also dominated the corner-kick battle, earning 12 corner kicks while allowing just one.
Ayelo finished with a team-high five shots and four shots on goal. Green also recorded five shots, including three on frame. Misic added four shots and three shots on goal, while Ishikawa and Nolan Getzinger each recorded two shots.
Defensively, goalkeeper Kai Odagiri played all 90 minutes and earned the victory in his first start of the season. Odagiri made three saves, while the Panthers' defense held Chicago State to just seven total shots.
Eastern Illinois' offensive pressure was particularly evident in the second half, when the Panthers recorded nine corner kicks and 13 shots while limiting the Cougars to one corner and three shots.
The Panthers' four-goal performance marks a strong offensive showing as Eastern Illinois continues its 2026 campaign.
The Panthers hit the road for their next match as they will face Marshall September 22 to continue non-conference play.
