EIU women’s soccer finds their first win of the season, shutting out Purdue Fort Wayne 2-0 in a highly defensive game. In the middle of the second half, midfielder Jenna Little scored two goals within two minutes.

After a scoreless first half, EIU went into the second half with a bit more momentum after a few changes at halftime.  

“[Coach Jake Plant] asked us to step up. And that’s what we did. We stepped up,” Little said.  

“We asked them to do two different things and they did them. They executed them. So it just shows you that when the girls commit to what they do every day, they’re the best team on the field all the time,” Plant said.  

Goalkeeper Daniela Bermeo had a total of 8 saves after the Mastodons posted a total of 22 shots throughout the game. Bermeo was able to complete the shutout after going up against an aggressive team, who also had a missed penalty kick in the second half.  

EIU’s defense was a factor in securing the win. Plant says the team is committed to playing physically. 

“They’re committed to block shots, they’re committed to deny crosses, they’re committed to put their body on the line, put their body in front of the goal, and they did that every time,” Plant said. “So they physically committed to winning the game.” 

Little expressed how excited they are for the team going forward. 

“I’m so proud of this team, like the difference from where we were in our first two games to just where we are now and the effort that we come out with every game, I mean, it’s impressive,” Little said. “And it’s definitely not like a one person show out there. It’s a team effort, and everyone’s stepping up to the challenge, doing a fantastic job.” 

Little credits the team’s chemistry on and off the field to their success on the field. 

“It’s just a family thing, like the love that we have for each other. At practice, in games, like in the highs and low moments like it shows,” Little said. “We have chemistry, and you can see it. And it just, I mean, it’s flourishing this year.” 

Both Plant and Little are optimistic when it comes to the rest of the season, including their next match at Indiana State on Thursday. They both say they will continue on with what they are doing now as the season goes on. 

“[Indiana state is] another great opponent, really right around our level. It’s going to be another great test,” Plant said. “So, I think we want to make sure that we go away from home and repeat that. Obviously, we can do it at our place but going on the road to do the same thing is really what we want to do.” 

“Just continuing what we’ve been doing on the field. Preseason has been long, but we love it,” Little said. “We love playing. We’ve been doing a great job. We enjoy the time on the field, whether that’s in practice or during games. And I mean, it’s been so fun getting out here and playing and doing well.” 

The Panthers will take on Indiana State on Thursday at 6 p.m.