The Eastern men’s soccer team looks to extend its winning streak to three games as it takes on Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Wednesday.

Eastern will go into the game with a 2-3 record, while IUPUI goes in with a record of 3-3.

The Jaguars are currently winning the overall series, with the Panthers at 3-2-2.

The Panthers are coming off two consecutive shutouts against Western Illinois and DePaul.

The wins were due in large part to the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week, senior goalkeeper Sean Molony.

IUPUI counters Molony’s honor with its own Summit League Defensive Player of the Week, junior goalkeeper Tyler Keever.

Eastern head coach Adam Howarth said the Jaguars are a tough, physical team that plays well.

“They are going to be pretty good at keeping the ball in terms of possession, they are pretty good at mixing it up,” Howarth said. “They are going to be big and strong. We have to make sure we show up and play well tomorrow.”

IUPUI was in the same Kentucky Invitational as Eastern earlier this season.

They fared better than the Panthers, who lost both games they played. IUPUI beat North Carolina-Asheville 3-1, while Eastern lost 3-0 to the same team. Both teams lost 1-0 against Kentucky.

Junior defenseman Graham Lynch said the game will be tough and it will be a good win if the Panthers come out on top.

“We have two tough games this week,” Lynch said.

Howarth said he is confident the team will be able to keep the momentum going from the last two games.

“We have been doing some good things the last couple of games, the key thing is that you are only as good as your last game,” Howarth said.

Eastern struggled earlier this season to produce a strong offense, but in the last two games the team has scored three goals.

The Panthers are looking to carry that offensive success into the game against IUPUI.

Howarth said the offense should be able to play at the same level they have been at for the previous two games.

“It’s nice to be back at home,” Howarth said. “The competition is always tough. We are expecting a tough game and as long as we keep possession and keep feeding the ball to who we need to, we will be in good shape.”

Eastern and IUPUI will be conference opponents next season when the Panthers head to the Summit League. This gives the game a little extra meaning for both teams.

The last time these two teams played was Sept. 20, 2009. The game resulted in a 1-1 tie in a tournament in Evansville, Ind.

The Panthers are looking for a better result this time around and are hoping to even up their record at 3-3 before they take on Western Michigan Sunday.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or at rdmortell@eiu.edu

Eastern junior midfielder Jonathan Hinds trys to get the ball past Western Illinois sophomore midfielder Husref Jupic during a game on Sept. 15 at Lakeside Field. (Jordan Boner

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