After getting off to an early 0-2 start, the Panthers look to get the team’s first win at 4 p.m. Friday at Belmont.

Last season, the Panthers beat Belmont 1-0 and will look to do it again.

Some players who look to make an impact this season are juniors Kristin Germann and Ashley Streid. Germann led the team with six goals in 2010 and looks to pick up where she left off, with one goal over the last two games this season. Red-shirt junior Ashley Streid scored three goals in 2010 and looks to get her first goal of the season along with the rest of the team.

Head coach Summer Perala looks to bring her overall record over 14-17-10 since taking over the reigns two years ago.

“We’re all very excited for this fall,” said Perala.

“The staff, as well as the team, have placed some high expectations for the season.”

Although they did not get the results they wanted, she said they did have some positives to take away from both matches regarding their ability to create more attacking opportunities. She thinks is one of the main improvements from last fall.

“We’ve definitely learned that our ability to come out focused that very first minute and compete with intensity for an entire 45 minutes will be crucial in tallying more wins this season than last.”

Now that senior Kaylin Lorbert has graduated, her second-in-command red-shirt sophomore Jessica Taldone will be starting. Taldone has 14 saves this season which already tops her 2010 total of 11.

Another positive Perala said about the team is their chemistry.

“This fall, it’s the strongest it’s been since I’ve been with the program. That’s a huge testament to the leadership of our seniors and returning teammates to get the newcomers on the same page right off the bat.”

The Panthers do not play at home for another two weeks.

Lenny Arquilla can be reached at 581-7944 or llrarquilla@eiu.edu.

Junior forward Ashley Streid passes the ball as UT Martin senior midfielder Brooke Robertson defends Oct. 22, 2010, during a game at Lakeside Field. (File Photo

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