This Sunday, Eastern’s men’s soccer team will get to step back onto the field against competition for the first time in two weeks.

“It’s tough not having played in two weeks,” head coach Adam Howarth said. “We don’t know what team we will see out there, but I think our kids are ready to play.”

For the past two weeks the Panthers have been scrimmaging to keep themselves familiar with game situations. Unfortunately, scrimmages against teammates is not the same as actual competition with an opponent.

“It’s difficult to get that game like experience in practice,” Howarth said.

Luckily, the Panthers’ schedule has dealt them a favorable hand. Not only will they have the home field advantage, but their opponent, IUPU-Fort Wayne, is a young team in its first season in Division I.

“They are a young team, obviously they will be a little inexperienced.” Howarth said. “We can not take them lightly, and we must be ready to play.”

The Panthers (2-2) have a terrific chance to break the .500 barrier for the season. The Mastodons have struggled so far this year with a record of 0-3-1. The 1 p.m. Sunday game will also be the Panthers first home contest of the season.

“I am excited about the game, being our first home of the season,” Howarth said. “We have had good crowds on the road and I hope we will have one on Sunday too.”