It is no coincidence the three seniors on the Eastern Illinois men’s soccer team are among team leaders in minutes played.

It is also not strange that the seniors have started every game they have been available for.

Sophomore midfielder Jim Adee said that this senior class is the main reason the team has been so successful this season.

“The seniors have been a huge part of what we have done this year,” Adee said. “They are the core of our team.”

Seniors midfielder Mick Galeski, defender Jeremy Maubach and midfielder Brad Earl will be playing the final home game of their careers for the Panthers this Saturday at 2 p.m. against Bradley.

Although each senior has been honored in an individual home game this season, Saturday will be Senior Appreciation Day to honor all three players for their time, play and involvement in Eastern’s soccer program.

Galeski is second on the team in points and leads the team in assists. He has been named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week three times this season and leads the MVC in assists with 11. He trails teammate junior Brad Peters for the MVC lead in both points (25) and goals (7).

This is Mick’s second year as team captain.

Maubach has been a staple and leader of the Panther backline this season, when he was not sidelined with a foot injury. He is a part of why the Panthers are first in the conference with seven shutouts.

Maubach also scored his first collegiate goal last Saturday against Western Kentucky.

Earl has started every game for the last two seasons and has already scored two goals for the Panthers.

Earl’s 12 career goals place him seventh in school history during the Missouri Valley Conference era.

Eastern head coach Adam Howarth has nothing but praise for the three players.

“The seniors have had a huge impact on what we have done this season,” Howarth said. “All three have started every game they have been available.”

Howarth said each one has brought something different for the Panthers this season.

“Mick has been the most consistent player on our team this season,” Howarth said. “Brad brings a lot to the table because he can do so many things. Jeremy has really stepped it up this season. He doesn’t get into the box this much, but (when) he got in there this week, he was able to put it in the goal.”

Freshman forward Alex Harrison has only spent a year with the seniors, but said they have had a positive effect on the team – and not just during matches.

“They have had a massive impact on this team,” Harrison said. “They have led the team on and off the field and have helped the program maintain its winning ways.”

Harrison said that if he had to choose, the senior he has learned the most from is Galeski.

“I wouldn’t like to pick one out because they have all been great,” Harrison said. “If I had to choose, it would have to be Mick because we both play in the midfield. It is great to play with a player that is so competitive.”