The Panthers soccer team looks as though they have addressed their offensive woes from last season.

I know it is early, but through the preseason and one regular season match Eastern looks as though they have a real shot at contending for a Summit League title.

The upset win over Northwestern was huge for the team’s confidence. It’s always nice to win the first match of the year, but to win it the way the Panthers did has to be a huge momentum swing.

Imagine if senior defenseman Mike Picinich did not deliver that 25-yard strike to the back of the net.

The match would have ended 1-0 in favor of Northwestern. A result the Panthers saw all too much of last season.

That would have demoralized the team.

To put in all of their work and still seem to be in the same exact spot they were in last year would do nothing but ruin the team’s morale.

However, Picinich did come through with a huge goal. And the freshman forward Will Butler connected on what might have been a lucky goal. But, Butler was in the right place at the right time and was rewarded.

Now Eastern will be up against another tough opponent on the road in Bradley.

The Panthers will have to deal with one of the state’s best players in Bryan Gaul. Gaul has contributed to four goals in his team’s first two games. He scored three goals and has had one assist. He was named National Player of the Week by two websites. Slowing down Gaul should be a priority when the Panthers are on defense.

The Braves are 2-0 and the Panthers are 1-0. Again, it is still early, but I think the Panthers have some good momentum on their side.

The game will be a great test of where the players are physically and mentally. Bradley is a talented team, having beaten No. 21 Butler earlier this season.

If the Panthers could sneak out another road win, I think it would put them in a great place and then I could easily see them winning their sixth Summit League Championship.

Even if they don’t win, the Panthers have shown they can play with good teams and should be in store for a nice bounce-back season this year.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or [email protected].