I am starting to sound like a broken record, but Eastern’s men’s soccer team is currently on a three-game losing streak and it is not because of their defense.

The offense continues to struggle and I am starting to think this might be an unavoidable occurrence for the rest of the season.

The Panthers were last in the Missouri Valley Conference in scoring last season. This year, they are finding themselves on a fast track to last again.

You cannot win if you cannot score; this is why Eastern finds itself with a 3-6 record.

It does not matter how good the defense plays, when you consistently put zeros on the scoreboard you will not win games, let alone compete to win a conference title.

Do not get me wrong. The Panthers have a top tier defense and that keeps them in virtually every game. However, their lackluster offense takes them out of games.

If the defense makes one mistake and lets in one goal, the team is demoralized. They do not have the confidence that they can put the ball in the net and come back to win the game.

Five of the Panthers, six losses were in 1-0 games. This illustrates my point exactly. The defense is keeping them in the game, but the offense cannot come through when they are needed most.

Something needs to be done to spark the offense. I am not exactly sure what that is, but I have a few ideas that could possibly solve this irritating dilemma.

Perhaps head coach Adam Howarth tries a different starting lineup. Howarth has by no means stuck to his original starting lineup this season; however, he might want to consider putting in a couple of the team’s many freshmen.

The young players might be able to jump-start the offense. They would show opposing defenses something they have never seen before.

Another idea is that the upperclassmen need to perform at a higher level. Senior forward Alex Harrison is one player who could get the offense going.

Harrison was on the All-MVC second team last season; he is captain of the team this year and he has not recorded a single point in nine games this year. If he can get out of this slump the offense will instantly improve.

Whatever adjustment the coaching staff and players decide to make, they need to make it soon. Although, if this scoring rut is allowed to continue for much longer, the Panthers will find themselves at the bottom of the MVC once again.

Much like they have been during their stay in the MVC. There is a bit of good news though next year they leave the MVC and move to the Summit League.

They should have better success there.

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