There was a drastic difference in the intensity level between the Panthers’ first two home games of the season, but the results were the same.

While Saturday’s 2-0 win against Asbury College could have been described as low key, that was hardly the case Sunday against Missouri-Kansas City.

A total of four cards were issued during the game, including the red card and ejection of assistant coach Dino Raso for arguing with the referee.

Despite the incident on the sidelines, the Panther defense held its own against a physical UMKC team, shutting them out 1-0.

Sophomore goalie Mark Hansen recorded four saves against the Kangaroos and extended his streak of starts with one goal or less to 10 games.

“It’s a whole team effort, it’s not just the defense,” Hansen said. “All 11 players are playing great defense at this point.”

On the offensive end, junior captain Mick Galeski connected with sophomore striker Brad Peters for the second time this season, assisting Peters on his goal with 11 minutes left in the first half.

“They’re playing real well,” Eastern head coach Adam Howarth said of Peters and Galeski. “It was a nice goal; probably could have had a few more in the second half, but we did enough.”

In Howarth’s series of games honoring seniors, Sunday’s game was deemed Mike Comiskey day, a fitting choice with the Panthers taking on a school from Comiskey’s hometown.

“Those guys being from Kansas City, growing up with a lot of them, it made it a lot more fun,” Comiskey said. “Especially being a senior, it’s the last time I’ll be on the field with some of those guys.”

The Panthers’ win Saturday against Asbury was Paul Jennison day, and the senior goalie from Middlesborough, England, started and played all 90 minutes, registering the first shutout of the weekend.

Mattoon High School standout and former Eastern assistant coach Josh Oakley led the Eagles in Saturday’s game and was proud of his team’s performance, even in defeat.

“For a small NAIA school like us, to be in it at halftime and at the end of the game, that was great,” Oakley said.

Comiskey and the Panthers (3-1) are looking forward to continued success Friday at IPFW and back at home Sunday against Loyola (Chicago).

“Moving on to 3-1, which is something we have never done since I’ve been here; that’s a plus,” Comiskey said. “Now we’ve got to keep moving on, 4-1, 5-1, and end up with a good season.”