GREEN BAY, Wisc. — Eastern Illinois men’s soccer showed plenty of fight but came up just short in their 2022 season opener on the road against the Green Bay Phoenix on Thursday night.
Green Bay was able to occupy the ball inside EIU’s half of the field for much of the first half, but the Panther defense held strong, limiting the Phoenix to just four shots in the first half and no shots on goal. The Panthers had a corner kick opportunity in the sixth minute, but were unable to capitalize. Julian Smith accounted for the only shot attempt for EIU in the first half, but his attempt in the 43rd minute went just wide of the goal as the first half ended in a scoreless tie.
After surviving two close calls on corner kicks by the Phoenix to start the second half, EIU gave up a goal off a header on Green Bay’s third corner of the period in the 59th minute. The Phoenix added to their lead in the 79th minute before Sam Eccles was fouled and subsequently converted on a penalty kick in the 82nd minute to pull the Panthers within a goal. The Panthers played tough in the last eight minutes, but were ultimately unable to even things up.
The Panthers gave up 17 shots in the second half and were outshot overall by the Phoenix 21-4, including 8-1 in shots on goal. Green Bay also held a 12-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Julian Smith led EIU in shot attempts with two. Casey Welage also recorded a shot attempt for the Panthers, while Chad Smith recorded five saves in his first start of the season at goalkeeper.
Up next, EIU heads back on the road to take on Xavier on Sunday, August 28th. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM CT.