Panthers men’s soccer drop to Incarnate Word, 2-1

CHARLESTON — The Eastern Illinois men’s soccer team fell 2-1 to Incarnate Word on a rainy Thursday afternoon at Lakeside Field, as the Cardinals scored twice in the final four minutes to overcome a first-half deficit.

The Panthers (3-7-3, 2-3-1 OVC) controlled much of the offensive action, outshooting the Cardinals (4-6-2, 3-2-1 OVC) 22-11 and earning 14 corner kicks compared to four for UIW. However, two late goals proved to be the difference in the match.

Eastern Illinois opened the scoring in the 37th minute when Keidin Green found the back of the net for his sixth goal of the season. Sergei Misic assisted on the play, giving the Panthers a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

The Panthers carried their lead into the second half after outshooting UIW 11-5 in the opening period. Eastern Illinois recorded six shots on goal in the first half, compared to just one for the Cardinals, while earning six corner kicks. Bernardo Hanei led the Panthers with six first-half shots, including three on target, while Misic added two shots on goal and an assist.

Despite the Panthers’ offensive pressure, UIW found the equalizer in the 87th minute when Diego Robles scored his eighth goal of the season off an assist from Dorian Gardi. The Cardinals then struck again in the final seconds, with Knox Hicks scoring in the 90th minute off a pass from Giovanni Padilla to secure the 2-1 comeback victory.

Eastern Illinois goalkeeper Kat Odagiri played all 90 minutes and recorded one save. UIW goalkeeper Victor Salmeron finished with six saves to help preserve the Cardinals’ victory.

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The Panthers finished with 22 shots, including seven on goal, and 14 corner kicks. Green led EIU with five shots and one goal, while Hanel recorded six shots and Misic added four shots and an assist.

Eastern Illinois will look to bounce back in its next match at Lakeside Field against Houston Christian on October 18 for Senior Day. 

Jake Leonard, Executive Editor-In-Chief

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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