Eastern’s men’s soccer team is finally starting to prove to its doubters that it is capable of playing well offensively.

All season long the Panthers have relied on their defense to keep them in games; however, the last three games the offense has outperformed the defense.

The Panthers have scored four goals in their last three games, posting a record of 1-1-1. The three games have resulted in four points in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament standings.

Eastern’s offense has been up and down all season. Earlier this year, the Panthers had a similar three-game offensive burst.

They scored four goals in three games, but they were able to win all three games. After the three-game outburst the Panthers lost four games in a row by a score of 0-1.

It would be tragic if Eastern had a similar drop off after this impressive offensive stretch. With just four games remaining in the regular season and a MVC tournament bid on the line, I don’t think the Panthers will have another offensive drought.

If the Panthers are going to have any chance at making the MVC tournament the offense must continue to play at a high level.

One reason why Eastern will not experience an offensive drop off is senior forward Alex Harrison.

Harrison finally was able to record a point against Bradley, after being held in check for 12 games this season.

Not only did he record a point he scored his first two goals of the season, giving him four total points on the year.

Harrison is Eastern’s captain. He was voted to the second team All-MVC team last year, after leading the Panthers with 13 points. He scored two goals, but recorded nine assists finishing eighth in the nation in assists per game.

If Harrison can build off his performance against Bradley, the Panthers will have the missing piece that they have been looking for all season long.

I think that Harrison and the Panthers are going to turn things around and qualify for the MVC tournament. They might not receive a favorable seeding, but they will have a chance at their first MVC championship.

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