Eastern’s men’s soccer team will renew what is now an even fiercer rivalry as it travels to Western Illinois.

The two teams have always been in-state rivals; however, the teams are now conference rivals as well. The Panthers re-joined the Summit League this season after spending the past 14 seasons in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Both teams enter Friday’s game with identical records at 4-4-1. However, this marks the first Summit League game for the Leathernecks, while Eastern is 0-0-1 in conference play. The Panthers tied Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis in their first conference game.

Head coach Adam Howarth said every team fights for their lives in conference games.

He also said the Panthers were just one shot away or one good pass away from being 1-0 in the Summit League. Sharpening up those aspects was the Panthers’ focus this week in practice.

The last time these teams met was last season at Lakeside Field. The Panthers won with a late goal by senior Zach Piekarski. The Panthers hold a 32-11-5 record against Western all-time; however, they have not won in Macomb since 2006.

Western is led by Daniel Lewis, who has contributed three goals this season, one of which was a game-winner.

Other offensive contributors for the Leathernecks are Nathan Bruinsma who has two game-winning goals this year and Charile Bales, who has tallied one goal and two assists this year.

Defensively, Western is led by goalkeeper Andy Ryan. Ryan has posted a 0.97 goals against average and three shutouts in nine games this season.

The Leathernecks also give up more shots than they take. This season they have shot 125 shots, while their opponents have fired 141.

Despite giving up a high number of shots, Western has allowed just nine goals all season. The Panthers have not been as solid defensively allowing 14 goals on 108 shots.

The Panthers offense is led by freshman forwards Jake Brillhart and Will Butler.

Both players have talied seven points each this season. Brillhart leads the team with three goals scored.

The rivalry is set to be renewed at 3 p.m. today in Macomb.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].