Eastern’s men’s soccer team will attempt to build on its success against in-state rival Bradley in Peoria after upsetting Northwestern in overtime last Friday.

Head coach Adam Howarth has not fared well against the Braves, compiling a 2-10-2 record. He is also 0-6-0 on the road against Bradley.

The last time these two teams met, the Panthers matched the Braves to a 2-2 draw at Lakeside Field. Alex Harrison, who has since graduated, scored both goals for Eastern.

Bradley comes into the game 2-0 after beating Indiana University Purdue University at Fort Wayne 1-0 and No. 21 Butler 4-1. Senior forward Bryan Gaul has had a hot start to start the season.

Gaul has three goals and one assist in the two games, earning him the title of National Player of the Week by CollegeSoccerNews.com and TopDrawerSoccer.com. Gaul also connected on one goal in four attempts in the Braves and Panthers last match-up.

Eastern received some much needed offense from freshman forward Will Butler against Northwestern, but Howarth said there is still a lot of work to be done.

“One game in, it is a good start but there is still a lot of (soccer) to be played,” Howarth said.

Senior forward Mike Picinich also contributed a goal against Northwestern. Howarth said the seniors like Picinich are going to play crucial leadership roles if the Panthers are going to be successful.

“All of our seniors from back to front will need to step up,” Howarth said. “We are still missing some players with injuries but the leadership starts with (Senior midfielder Graham) Lynch and Picinich and goal-scoring comes from the likes of (Senior forward Ryan) Child.”

Last season, Child led the team with nine points, while Lynch contributed one game-winning goal. Lynch played mainly as a defenseman for the majority of the 2010 season.

Eastern has not won in Peoria since 1996 when it beat Bradley 3-1. The Panthers have an all-time record of 8-12-2 against the Braves.

Game time for this non-conference match-up is scheduled for 7 p.m. today at Bradley.

Following the game against Bradley, the Panthers will travel to play at Central Arkansas at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Rob Mortell can be reached

at 581-7944 or [email protected].