After having three different goalkeepers battle for the starting role last season, Eastern head coach Adam Howarth had to make a tough decision.

Then freshman Ryan Eames and Casey DeCaluwe and sophomore Jacob Billingsley battled it out to see who would be minding the Panthers’ net full time.

Eames eventually won the job showcasing solid ability in goal, keeping the Panthers in many games and even leading them in victory.

This year is one in the same. Howarth faces yet another goalkeeping battle. Eames has left the team because of academic reasons and Billingsley is also not returning because of personal reasons.

This season comes down to DeCaluwe, who red-shirted last year after he suffered a herniated disc in his back during training sessions, and freshman Mike Sims.

“It’s very similar (to last year),” Howarth said. “We are in the same position. Obviously, Casey has a year experience behind him even though he didn’t play last year. Mike also has some good credentials”

Howarth said he sees good qualities in both his goalkeepers and is unsure who he will choose when the team takes the field this weekend at the Holiday Inn/City Center Classic in Peoria.

“We have two keepers right now and both of them are good keepers,” Howarth said. “They are still battling for the position and I haven’t made the decision yet.”

DeCaluwe feels confident he can fill in and be a good replacement for the valuable Eames. He said his rehab went well and he just wants to get back and prove what he can do.

“I feel confident because I know most of the guys and feel confident directing them on the field,” DeCaluwe said.

Hopes are also high on how well the team will do this season.

“Everybody is willing to work hard,” DeCaluwe said. “I think we will do better than last year.”

Howarth is not ruling out bringing in another option. He said when walk-on tryouts begin today, he will take a look at another goalkeeper who may possibly make the team depending on the tryout.

No matter who is standing in goal by game time, Howarth expects strong leadership in net.

“They have to be a leader back there and be dominant in the penalty box,” Howarth said.