There’s going to be plenty of fun and games this weekend, as Eastern celebrates its Homecoming. However, the women’s soccer team better not get distracted by all the festivities because this weekend is business as usual, but with more on the line.

With two games this weekend, Eastern can carve its path into the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Two wins could catapult the Panthers into, or near, first place. Two losses would virtually eliminate any chances the team has of winning the conference.

This weekend’s games will be the final two home games for the Panthers, who will go on the road for their last two games next week. Considering its road record (2-4-1, 0-1 OVC), the team needs to either win now or say bye-bye to their season. The wins won’t come easy, though.

Friday, at 3:30 p.m. at Lakeside Field, the Panthers will march onto the battlefield to play arguably the conference’s best team-Tennessee Tech (4-9-2, 3-1-1 OVC).

Now, don’t let the Golden Eagles’ record fool you because they played one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the OVC – including the likes of Kentucky and Marshall – and now they are sweeping through the OVC like a brush fire.

If statistics only counted in OVC play, the Golden Eagles rank second in the three major categories-points (16), goals (6) and assists (4) – which highlights their clear offensive skill. Defensively, they rank third in saves (30) and first in shutouts (3).

The Golden Eagles are no joke and a win against them would mean a huge leap for the Panthers toward the top of the conference standings; but they haven’t had success against physical, fiery teams this season.

Three days ago, Eastern played against Murray State, the team that leads the three major offensive categories, in fouls (15.50 per game) and yellow cards (2 per game). Eastern couldn’t handle the Racers’ intensity, losing 3-1 and giving up all three goals in the span of 10 minutes.

This Sunday, the girls will start a soccer double header at noon at Lakeside Field against Jacksonville State (6-8, 0-4 OVC).

Despite producing a goose egg in wins in the OVC, the Gamecocks are actually a big threat. Based on stats including non-conference play, the Gamecocks are actually the best offensive team in the OVC – not the Racers or Golden Eagles.

The Gamecocks are number one in points (97), shots (203), goals (34, 2.62 per game), assists (29, 2.23 per game), and shutouts (6).

In fact, they are giving up the second fewest goals, by only conceding one per game.

In both weekend matches, the Panthers need to buckle down, defend harder and push forward faster.

If they can play their best two games of the season, they might have the chance to notch two colossal victories.

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7944 or admcnamee@eiu.edu.