Eastern’s men’s soccer team should make a serious run at a Summit League title this season.

After what can be considered a great off-season recruitment by head coach Adam Howarth, the Panthers now have the offensive talent to score against any team.

They have always had a solid defense. Senior captains Graham Lynch and Mike Picinich lead the defense and with the other players Eastern has on defense, it has the potential to shut down even the most explosive teams.

Junior goalkeeper Evan Turner looked solid behind the net against Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, recording his first shutout in an Eastern uniform and making four saves.

I think that Turner should be able to play like that for the rest of the season. He is a big, athletic goalkeeper and has the potential to be very good.

The offense is dramatically better than last season.

In nine games this season, the Panthers have scored 12 goals. They had just nine goals all of last season.

The Panther’s offense took a hard hit when they lost freshman forward Garet Christianson for the season with a knee injury.

Christianson was tied for the team lead with three goals before suffering the injury.

Even without Christianson, the Panthers still have a formidable offense. They are out-shooting their opponents 128-108.

Freshman midfield Will Butler and freshman forward Jake Brillhart led the team with seven points each. Newcomers have scored nine of the Panthers 12 goals this season.

It is this recruiting class and solid veteran play that gives Eastern its best chance at a conference title in years.

There is no overly dominating team in the Summit League, so the Panthers have a legitimate shot at winning the title.

Eastern has a fun, young team and it should be interesting to watch. With this freshman class the Panthers have a chance to dominate for years to come.

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