Another game, another zero; for the fourth consecutive game this season the Eastern men’s soccer team failed to score a goal.

Not only was it the fourth consecutive game without scoring a goal, but it was the seventh time in ten games that the Panthers were kept scoreless.

It’s tough to blame head coach Adam Howarth for the team’s offensive problems.

He has made plenty of lineup changes; he made changes to offensive formations and he changed the team philosophy from defensive to aggressive.

The lack of offense might be because the Panthers are the unluckiest team in the Missouri Valley Conference. They never seem to get a fortunate bounce or a break from the referee.

However, I don’t think that this is the case.

A team is not held scoreless in seven of ten games because of “bad luck.”

Sure, bad luck could cost you one game or a bad call could cost a team to give up a goal, but to blame scoring four goals in ten games on “bad luck” is ridiculous.

Still, Howarth cannot be freed of all blame. There is still more that he can do.

Change the lineup more; take out the players who have been underperforming. This could mean benching seniors.

Just because they have been starting on the team for two or three years doesn’t mean they are entitled to stay in the starting lineup if they aren’t playing well.

Benching these team leaders could be the extra boost that the Panthers need to jump-start their offense. It could send a message to the whole team that players need to perform at a high level if they are going to get in the game.

Even if Howarth makes the changes the pressure is on the players to perform at a high level.

This is Division I soccer, every player is expected to play at a high level.

These players are the most sought after recruits out of high school or junior college.

Don’t get me wrong Eastern is not a powerhouse Division I school like, Illinois, North Carolina or Ohio State; however, they still are a Division I team and the get plenty of capable recruits.

The players on this year’s team need to realize their potential and play to the standards that other Division I athletes are held.

I don’t know exactly how many more things the Panthers can change, but I do know that the players on this team can play better and until they do they will continue to post zeros.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or at

“mailto:rdmortell@eiu.edu”>rdmortell@eiu.edu