Eastern’s men’s soccer team plays an important match against Summit League rival Oakland, the result of which could make or break its post-season tournament hopes.

Currently, the Panthers are tied for fifth in the Summit League standings with Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Both teams have earned four points with 1-2-1 records in conference play.

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies are led offensively by Jeff Cheslik and Jake Przybycien. Both players led the team with eight points. Cheslik leads the team with four goals. Jon Evans leads the team with five assists.

Oakland averages just over one goal a match and has fired 221 shots in 16 games.

Defensively, Oakland is led by goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt, who has played in 10 games and has 1.34 goals against average. Hildebrandt has made 47 saves and has posted a 2-7 record with one shutout.

As a team on defense the Golden Grizzlies allow 1.62 goals per game and have given up 219 shots.

Freshman midfielder Will Butler, who leads the team with 11 points, also leads the offense. Freshman midfielder Jake Brillhart trails Butler by one point and leads the team with four goals.

Eastern is 2-0-1 all-time against Oakland and both wins were at home.

The match will serve as senior day for the Panthers senior players, as it marks the final home match of their careers.

The seniors being honored are forward Ryan Child, forward Jonathan Hinds, defender Darby Kehoe, defender Graham Lynch, defender Mike Picinich and defender Zach Piekarksi.

Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Lakeside Field.

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