After the Panthers lost their opening exhibition match on an own goal, head coach Adam Howarth said he is still pleased with the way the men’s soccer season has started off.

“It was a little disappointing that we put the ball in the back of our own box but the whole point of that game was to play everybody and see where people were at,” Howarth said.

Twenty-five players got some playing time at Illinois-Springfield. Howarth said not only did the Panthers out-shoot the other team, but they also played well defensively.

“Overall, I think the preseason has gone very well, and the team is strong with good overall fitness,” Howarth said. “Everyone for the most part is healthy and in good shape so that will definitely help us begin the season.”

No positions set in stone

Howarth said the next few days will be when he is especially looking to make decisions about who will be traveling and what the Panthers are doing in specific positions.

The Panthers scrimmaged in practice on Wednesday with three, 25-minute periods.

“There was a lot of good stuff, a lot of goals,” senior mid-fielder and captain Mick Galeski said. “It was really hot and we were all getting tired but I think we did well.”

The Panthers will hold their last game of the preseason at 7 p.m. on Friday at Lakeside Field; it will be an 11-on-11 intrasquad game.

Howarth said this game will be key in evaluating individuals because the next week they will be preparing the players that will be playing in the tournament next weekend.

“Friday’s game should be very intense and competitive,” Galeski said. “Every spot is up for grabs and we all want to play so we are going to try real hard and give it everything we’ve got.”

The new guys

The Panthers have gained seven new additions to their team including six freshmen and Patrick Mabeya, a junior transfer from Parkland Community College in Champaign.

Howarth said all of them are doing well and that he can see that some freshmen will be pushing for some playing time this season.

“We usually have one or two freshmen start each year, sometimes more, but it just depends on the level of play and what type of impact they have on the team,” Howoath said.

Galeski said he is also very impressed with the new players.

“This is the fittest team we have had since I have been here and the new guys came in, in good shape and ready to play,” Galeski said.