Eastern has been playing well with two shutout victories last week against IUPUI and Kentucky. Senior midfielder Brad Earl scored his first two goals of the season with a pair of game-winning goals.

Earl scored the game-winning goal against the Jaguars on Wednesday in the 32nd minute and booted the game-winning goal against the Wildcats on Friday in the final minute of double overtime.

The Panthers (6-1-1) bested Western Illinois (3-4-1) 1-0 in an overtime victory last season in Macomb on a goal by Earl.

The men’s soccer team looks to improve its home record to 2-0 as they play Western Illinois at 4:30 p.m. today at Lakeside Field.

Junior defender Adam Gartner hopes this year the team scores early and often.

“Last season we kept it close,” Gartner said. “We want to put in two goals early and come out and defend our home turf.”

Eastern head coach Adam Howarth is not afraid of a let down by his team.

“I don’t think we will see a let down,” Howarth said. “Western always plays us hard and strong. The games are always difficult, but I think our guys will be ready.”

Many players feel the Western-Eastern game has a rivalry feel to it. The teams have played 45 times with Eastern holding a 31-10-4 advantage.

Gartner thinks this game can prove a lot for the Panthers.

“Western is an in-state rival,” Gartner said. “We want to prove that we are the best team in the state.”

Howarth feels there are a number of reasons for the success.

“We are talking much better,” Howarth said. “We are also working hard to help each other, which I think is a big difference.”

Western comes into the game ranked three spots behind Eastern in the National Soccer Coaches of Association of America in the Midwest. As of September 24, the Panthers were ranked at No. 7 with the Leathernecks at No. 10.

Western started the season 3-0-1 before dropping four straight matches, including three at home. During that stretch the Leathernecks were outscored 2-9 while being shutout two times.

Western is led by two players: sophomore Martin Browne, Jr., with two goals and one assist, and junior defenseman Luke Greenwell, with two goals.