Eastern’s men’s soccer team is now in a tie for fifth in the Summit League standings.

If the season were to end today, the Panthers would miss the post-season tournament, as the top four teams make it.

Eastern has tailed four points (one win and one tie) and trails league-leading Western Illinois by five points.

The Panthers and Oral Roberts are tied in the fifth spot, trailing Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis and the University of Missouri at Kansas City by two points. Eastern also trails Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne by one point.

The Panthers have two more Summit League matches against Oakland and IPFW, meaning they have a chance at six more points and a spot in the tournament.

Summit League

players of the week

IUPUI freshman forward Sam Fuller earns this week’s offensive player of the week award for his performances against IPFW and Cleveland State.

Fuller connected on goals that gave his team the win in both games. Against Cleveland State, he scored the match’s lone goal, giving IUPUI a 1-0 win. Against IPFW, Fuller had an early assist, but it was his goal in the 104th minute that vaulted his team to victory in overtime.

Fuller has four goals this season, all of which were game-winners. This is also the first time he earned the Summit League offensive player of the week award.

Western Illinois goalkeeper Andy Ryan earns his fourth career defensive player of the week award after shutting out Oakland.

Ryan made five saves in the game and the win also clinched a spot in the Summit League tournament. He also leads the conference with seven shutouts this season.

Around the Summit League

Western Illinois defeated Oakland 1-0 securing a spot in the Summit League tournament.

The Leathernecks scored early when Nathan Bruinsma kicked in a goal in the 22nd minute. The goal was Bruinsma’s third of the season.

The win improves Western’s record to 8-5-1 overall and 3-1 in Summit League play, while Oakland falls to 4-10-1 overall and 1-3 in conference.

In other Summit League action Oral Roberts and the UMKC played to a 1-1 tie.

The match was delayed 45 minutes due to inclement weather; however, even after the delay the entire match could not be played. The head referee called the match in the 71st minute due to lightning.

Oral Roberts record now stands at 4-9-1 overall and 1-2-1 in the Summit League, while UMKC’s record stands at 5-7-2 and 2-1-1 in conference.

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