Eastern’s men’s soccer team did not finish their non-conference schedule the way it hoped, losing to Western Michigan.

However, there are many positive aspects that the Panthers can look at as they head into the conference season.

They were able to turn a 0-3 start into a 3-4 finish. This was because of solid play on both sides of the ball. The loss to WMU ended an impressive three game shutout streak.

Eastern’s defense played well the entire non-conference season with the exception of the game against North Carolina-Asheville where they were exploited for three goals. Other than that game, the defense has given up three goals in six games.

The defense is lead by junior defensemen Graham Lynch and Zach Piekarski and goalkeeper Sean Molony.

Lynch and Piekarski have both played well so far this season. Each of them has a game-winning goal this year. They both transferred to Eastern this year.

Molony has played extremely well this season. Last week, he earned Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

The offense has also shown good signs. In the Panthers three-game winning streak, they score four goals. Each goal came from a different player, showing the depth that the Panthers have.

Along with Piekarski and Lynch, sophomore midfielder Kyle Bullock and junior midfielder Ryan Child have scored Eastern’s goals this year.

The team has shown that it can be very good, but at times it has looked like the season could be a struggle.

I believe that the Panthers have a legitimate shot at a MVC title this season. It is their final season in the MVC before they head to the Summit League in 2011.

Eastern is looking to go out with a bang and the best way to do that is by qualifying for the MVC Tournament and coming out victorious.

When both sides of the ball are performing at the best of their ability the Panthers are a tough team to beat.

The defense will always keep them in games, if the offense can find its stride during the conference season watch out.

Senior forward Alex Harrison is the captain of the team and he is the probably the one player who can jumpstart the offense in the conference season.

He scored two goals all last season and he said he wants more this year. Harrison has not scored just yet but that first goal will come soon.

When it comes he will score much more consistently.

Rob Mortell can be reached at

581-7944 or rdmortell@eiu.edu.