The Eastern Illinois women’s soccer team will end their 2015 season hosting Southern Illinois-Edwardsville at Lakeside Field this afternoon at 3 p.m.

The Panthers enter the game at 3-13-2 and 1-7-1 within OVC play. They are fresh off losses to Austin Peay and Murray State in their final road games of the season.

Coach Jason Cherry said his team is ready to put the losses behind them, and end on the season on a high note.

“We had a tough couple of games there, but we’re moving on,” Cherry said.

Eastern was outscored 7-0 in the two games last weekend and was outshot 47-8 during that span.

The seven goals EIU allowed was the second most of any two-game stretch that they’ve had this season.

On the games, Cherry said that his team resorted to a press-defense strategy and the game broke open in favor of their opponents.

“Once we did that, we began to lose control of the game,” Cherry said. “I’m proud of my team for their effort though.”

In those games, Cherry made a change at goalkeeper moments into the second half. He decided to put freshman goalkeeper Liz Carmody into the game in relief of Maddie Lyon.

He said that this was simply to give Lyon a well-needed rest, and give Carmody a chance to see the field.

Despite the mid-game move, Lyon will start the game against Southern Illinois- Edwardsville.

“I think Liz (Carmody) deserved a chance to at least play, as have all of our keepers,” Cherry said. “But Maddie (Lyon) will be in to start the game.”

Eastern tends to be a better team when they play at home. They are currently 3-4-1 when playing at Lakeside Field, which includes their only wins of the season.

Cherry said he prefers playing at home because it keep his team in a steady routine and rhythm.

“We seem to do much better at home,” Cherry said. “It’s nice not having to travel. Being able to play in front of family and friends is something that the team looks forward to also.”

In their recent stretch of home games, Eastern went 1-1-2, which included three regulation shutouts.

Cherry said that he’d like to see his team play with energy, and emotion to end the season on a high note.

“We’re playing a very meaningful game,” Cherry said. “We’re playing a team that will give us a lot of trouble if we don’t work to make them uncomfortable.”

Cherry also said he’d like to rattle the Southern Illinois-Edwardsville goalkeeper, Jennifer Pelley, early on by taking chances.

Pelley has compiled the sixth most saves in the conference, with 64.

“She’s a great goalkeeper and we need to take our chances,” Cherry said. “It’s our last chance to make something happen so we’ll try to leave it all out there.”

Cherry said he’d also like to see his team show extra effort in honor of the seniors who will be playing their last game.

“Both teams are going to be working for a win,” Cherry said. “We need to be sure that it’s us to have a lasting memory.”

Eastern will play their final game of the season today at 3 p.m. in search of their fourth win on the year.

Elias Albert can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected]