Eastern is in.

With a 3-1 victory against Western Kentucky Saturday, the Panthers’ soccer squad guaranteed themselves a spot in next month’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. The win also marks the first time the Panthers have notched back-to-back 10-plus-win seasons since the 1988-1989 campaign.

Head coach Adam Howarth was a member of the 1989 team and said this year’s team has every opportunity to succeed in the tournament.

“Well, obviously we’re excited to be there, and not having the anxiety to (clinch a tournament berth) in the final game is nice,” Howarth said.

The Panthers’ victory against Western Kentucky clinched a tournament berth. The Panthers may seed anywhere from second to sixth in the tournament, which means they can not simply coast the rest of the way through the season.

Eastern will face Bradley, also a 10-win team, Saturday afternoon at Lakeside Field. Winning is still important in order for the team to be seeded as high as they can possibly be.

“Already making the cut takes a lot of pressure off our shoulders,” senior midfielder Mick Galeski said. “But now it’s just pushing for that high seed and trying to finish in the top two.”

The tournament will be hosted by top-seed Creighton.

Howarth talked about the confidence of his players heading into the tournament.

“We are excited about heading back down (to Creighton). Obviously with the way we played them the first time we were down there. And the guys are confident that they can beat anyone in this league,” he said.

Galeski echoed that confidence.

“We lost to Creighton with half a second left in overtime at their place. And they’re like number eight in the country.we really think we can win (the tournament) and we hope to,” he said.

Eastern lost a double-overtime heart breaker to Creighton earlier in the season. Tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, Creighton scored off a rebound with four-tenths of a second left in the second overtime.

The Panthers hope the outcome is different if the teams meet again in the tournament.

“If we play them again,” Howarth said. “Maybe it will be a little more of a mutual game. They’re always going to be a tough team to beat. And they’re in first place right now.”

Camaraderie on and off the field has led to the team’s success.

Galeski pointed out that the team gets along much better than they did last year and that makes a difference.

“Everyone just knows what their role is on the team,” Galeski said. “No one tries to do (too much). Just know your role, do it, and I think (that’s made us) a much better team.”

Eastern’s men’s soccer team.

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