Eastern nearly claimed Northwestern’s Lakefront Classic after tying Northwestern 2-2 Friday and defeating Lafayette 1-0.

The problem was, after Eastern had worked hard to blank Lafayette in the first game Sunday, Northwestern knocked off DePaul 2-1, taking the title because they ended with more goals scored than the Panthers for the tournament.

Eastern head coach Adam Howarth was disappointed the teams could not be named co-champions but he was pleased with his team’s play throughout the weekend.

“We gutted it out against a very good team in Lafayette,” Howarth said. “I was really happy with our grit and determination.”

Senior midfielder Chad Dumonceaux gave the Panthers an opportunity for them to take the championship with the Panthers’ lone goal against Lafayette.

Dumonceaux blasted a shot from about 25 yards out, beating Lafayette’s goalkeeper for the game-winner.

Howarth was happy with his team’s ability to hold off a team that had not previously lost before their meeting.

“It was a very tight game,” he said. “(Our defense) played very disciplined.”

Friday Eastern came to a 2-2 draw after 110 minutes against the host Wildcats. Eastern got on the board first in the 10th minute when freshman midfielder scored his first collegiate goal .

Stewardson snuck the ball by Northwestern goalkeeper Brian Heckenbach off a corner kick from junior Kurt Krupa.

Northwestern evened the score in the 36th minute with a goal from Gerardo Alvarez on a penalty kick.

Eastern again took the lead in the second half with a goal from sophomore Justin Ongaro on a pass from Jeff Galanes.

Eight minutes later the Wildcats responded with a header from Brad Napper, putting the ball past Eastern goalkeeper Casey DeCaluwe and sending the teams into overtime tied at two.

The Panthers got the opportunity to take control and gain the win as two Northwestern players were given red cards before the end of the half, giving the Panthers a two-man advantage in the extra periods.

Eastern was only able to get off four shots with Heckenbach making all four saves.

The Panthers next play host to Wright State Friday at 4 p.m at Lakeside Field.