The Eastern men’s soccer team will attempt to break its career tie with Northwestern on the road at 5 p.m.

The Panthers have posted a 4-4-5 record against the Wildcats. Head Eastern coach Adam Howarth has not been as successful, earning a 1-2-1 record against the in-state rival.

The last meeting between the two teams was in 2008, when Northwestern won 3-0 in the Northern Illinois Tournament.

“Northwestern is an experienced team who is looking to rebound from an average year from them last year,” Howarth said.

Northwestern had a record of was 8-8-2 last season with a 2-3-1 record in Big Ten play. The Panthers did not fare as well, earning a 4-12-1 record overall and a 1-5-1 record in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Eastern has not performed well in its season opening games lately. The Panthers’ last opening day win came in 2007 against Belmont.

Northwestern is returning its best player in senior forward Oliver Kupe. Kupe had 21 points last season, including 10 goals. His 10 goals were more than the entire Eastern team scored last season. The Panthers finished the year with nine goals.

Not helping the Panthers’ cause, was the loss of leading goal scorer, forward Alex Harrison. However, Eastern still has its leading points scorer, senior forward Ryan Child. Child had nine points and two goals last season.

“(Northwestern) has some good young players and an experienced striker in Kupe who was very good for them last year,” Howarth said.

The Panthers also lost All-Conference goalkeeper Sean Molony. Replacing Molony is sophomore Tyler Kelley and junior transfer Evan Turner. Kelly played in just one game last season giving up two goals and making three saves.

Kelley said he worked hard this off-season to improve and step up into a larger role. He also feels that the young players will change the team’s offensive approach.

“The new guys on the team bring a whole new offensive scheme by allowing us to utilize our midfielders with combination with the forwards,” Kelley said.

Eastern went 1-2 in the preseason this year. Howarth said he feels the team is prepared for the regular season and think they should be successful.

“For us, we have to worry about how we play and make sure we take care of the details,” Howarth said. “It is important to keep the ball well and we must do this when we are under pressure.”

The Panther left the Missouri Valley Conference after last season and head to the Summit League, a conference where they have had success, winning five championships.

The opener against Northwestern starts a string of seven straight road games to begin the year. Last season Eastern was 2-7 on the road.

Howarth said the Panthers will have a chance to win every game if they come ready to play and are mentally prepared.

“We have to be on,” Howarth said. “Our attitude has to be right in every match.”

Rob Mortell can be reached

at 581-7944 or rdmortell@eiu.edu

Senior midfielder Mike Picinich takes off to beat his opponent to the ball during a game against Bradley Oct. 20, 2010, at Lakeside Field.(File photo

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