The Eastern men’s soccer team is heading into an important in-state rivalry game Friday against Western Illinois, Eastern head coach Adam Howarth said.

The Panthers are one of three winless Summit League teams this season, including Western Illinois, and Friday will be their next chance at a win.

But the Panthers will be playing a Western Illinois team that is fresh off a Summit League championship.

Western Illinois, with a 5-2 record in conference last year, became the first team since Oakland in 2007 to win both the regular season and tournament championships in the Summit League.

This season, though, Western Illinois is 0-1-2 in the Summit League and 2-7-3 overall.

“In a lot of ways they’re in a similar boat to us,” Howarth said. “(The game is of) huge importance in conference and in bragging rights.”

Friday, even getting a tie against Western Illinois would be important, Howarth said.

“Anything now is so important,” Howarth said. “You get down to the stretch run, you have to worry about ourselves and how we play.”

Western Illinois has been at its best on the road this season, with both of its wins coming away from home.

Western Illinois has had six players score goals this season, led by Austin Gochneaur. He has two goals and one assist this season. One of his goals was a game winner.

Western’s Nathan Bruinsma leads the team with 29 shots this season. He has one goal and two assists this season.

Howarth said he expects Western Illinois to be ready for the game Friday.

Even so, Howarth wants his team to protect its home field advantage. The Panthers are 1-3 this season at home.

“We’ve been supported well this year and need to give something back,” Howarth said.

The game is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Lakeside Field.

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].