The Eastern Illinois men’s soccer team has something to prove this week at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Despite having the fifth seed, the Panthers have high expectations for themselves.

“We think we are the best team in the conference,” sophomore defender Chris Pearson said. “Now we have to go out and prove it.”

The Panthers (11-5-3, 2-3-1) will play Drake (9-5-4,2-2-2) in the opening round of the OVC Tournament at 7:30 p.m. in Omaha, Neb.

The Bulldogs and Panthers tied 2-2 in the MVC opener earlier this season at Lakeside Field. The teams have tied in their last three match ups.

Junior forward Brad Peters and junior midfielder Mike Lewis both scored goals in the match.

Drake scored late in the second half to tie the game and prevent the Panthers from recording their ninth victory of the season.

The Panthers will look to shutdown Drake sophomore forward Garrett Webb, who is fourth in the conference in points with 19 and tied for second in the conference with seven goals.

Eastern head coach Adam Howarth said his team needs to create many opportunities like they did in the first matchup to be successful.

“We have to go out and do the same thing,” Howarth said. “Last time we started out slow so this time we have to go out and get after them. We got a lot of chances last time so we have to make sure we go out and create again.”

One of the themes in the first match was how unlucky the Panthers were.

A shot by Peters in the 101st minute hit the top crossbar, which would have been a sure goal for the Panthers.

“Last time we were unlucky,” Pearson said. “Playing them again we know what to expect and what their going to do. This time we are more prepared.”

Eastern will play the second game of the double header, which the team hopes to use to its advantage.

“I think it will help us,” Pearson said. “After a long trip like that it will give us time to sit around and relax.”

Howarth said the number of evening games and the toughness of the schedule has prepared his team for this tournament.

“We have played a lot of evening games this year, so late game won’t effect us,” Howarth said. “Our guys are excited. We have played some of the best teams around this year there is no question we are ready.”

The Panthers said they want to repeat last season’s success where they played well in the first round as they defeated No. 3 seed Missouri State 3-1.

Junior forward Brad Peterstakes control of the ball before taking a shot against Bradly University November 3 at Lakeside Field. Amir Prellberg/The Daily Eastern News

(more…)