The Eastern women’s soccer team went 0-2 in its last weekend of matches before conference play begins on Sept. 14.

They lost 3-1 at home to Indiana State on Friday and dropped their Sunday match with Northern Illinois 2-0.

Both matches can be assessed properly by their second halves.

Eastern scored first against Indiana State, courtesy of an Itxaso Aguero goal in the 20th minute, and it would be Eastern’s only goal.

Indiana State tied it up before halftime, and then scored twice in the second half to win 3-1.

“In the second half, Indiana State did well to finish their chances,” Plant said.

The Sycamores were efficient, scoring their three goals with four shots on goal.

“We got away from doing what we did so well in the first half,” Plant said, “which was keeping possession of the ball and moving the opponent from side to side.”

The Panthers had another chance to pick up a weekend victory on Sept. 9 against Northern.

The Huskies scored two quick goals in the first half to jump out to a 2-0 lead. The second half for the Panthers was very different than the second half against Indiana State.

They had nine shots in the final 45 minutes, five of which were on goal.

Junior Lexi Ketterhagen had four shots on goal, three in the second half. But Northern goalkeeper Megan Donnally saved all eight Eastern chances, extending her MAC-leading total to 53.

Plant was much more optimistic following the Northern match than he was after Indiana State.

“On a different day, some of the goals will go in,” he said. “In the second half, visibly and statistically, we created more opportunities. We just didn’t do enough in the first half to make it a good result.”

Compared to the second half against Indiana State, Plant noticed a difference in the team.

“The girls decided to really get after the game,” he said. “The girls came in (to halftime) a little frustrated and disappointed in the first half performance. They came out wanting to play better, and they did.”

Up next for the Panthers is an important week of practices leading up to the first conference matches against Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky next weekend.

Plant and the Panthers will look to iron out a few things before then.

He said that keeping possession of the ball will be a focus, as will maintaining a consistent level of attacking offense. Defense will also be looked at this week.

“We conceded five goal this weekend,” said Plant. “We have to look at some things defensively to make sure we are getting the details.”

With consistency, Plant sees good things ahead for the Panthers.

“The girls have a very good result coming their way at some point,” he said. “It just hasn’t happened yet.”

Both matches this weekend are on the road for Eastern. Then starting on Friday, Sept. 21, they will play four consecutive conference matches at home.

Adam Tumino can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].