Eastern’s men’s soccer team will head to Kalamazoo, Mich., for a non-conference match against Western Michigan.

The Panthers enter the match at 6-6-1 overall and 5-4 in non-Summit League matches. They are also 3-4 on the road this season. However, Western Michigan enters the match with a 5-8-1 record overall and a 4-7 record in its non-conference matches.

In its last match, Eastern lost 3-1 to the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

Head coach Adam Howarth said it is important that the team bounce back from a poor match against UMKC.

“We must work on the little things,” Howarth said. “Making sure we play every play and eliminate our mistakes. Our mistakes cost us goals against UMKC.”

Offensively, Western Michigan averages 1.29 points per game and 13.6 shots per game. Shane Lyons leads the team with six goals and 13 points. The Broncos’ Kai Mendes leads the team with six assists, while he has also contributed two goals.

Defensively, the Broncos give up 1.64 goals per game along with 12.4 shots per game. Bronco goalkeeper Matt Murrell has a 4-5-1 record this season, while posting a 1.41 goal against average and stopping 42 shots. Sean Lewis has also seen time behind the net starting three matches and appearing in five. He has posted a 2.09 goals-against average and made 17 saves this year.

Howarth said Western Michigan is a good team that is well organized and has a good coach.

“We need to work on making sure we are committed defensively and make sure all our chances at goal are quality,” Howarth said.

Offensively, the Panthers average 1.23 goals per game and 13.2 shots. They are led by freshmen forwards Jake Brillhart and Will Butler. Both are tied for the team lead with eight points. Brillhart leads the team with three goals.

Defensively, Eastern gives up 1.62 goals per game along with 11.9 shots. Red-shirt junior Evan Turner and sophomore Tyler Kelley have both seen time behind the net. Kelley has a 1.45 goals-against average and has made 23 saves, while Turner has a 1.66 goals-against average and stopped 24 shots.

The road trip to Kalamazoo, Mich., is a little more than five hours according to Google Maps. Howarth said long trips like that have little to no effect on the team.

“We are used to the road,” Howarth said.

The match is scheduled to start at

2 p.m. Saturday.

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