The Eastern men’s soccer team played its home opener Thursday against Kansas City at Lakeside Field.

The Panthers lost 3-1, falling to 0-4-1 on the season and 0-3-1 in conference play.

The Roos jumped ahead early, scoring goals in the 10th minute and 12th minute.

Eastern pulled within one in the 21st minute on a goal from redshirt-junior forward Reed Axthelm, his second this season, on an assist from junior midfielder Alejandro Lurbe, his first of the season.

Redshirt-junior goalkeeper Jonathan Burke had 8 saves in the match, making it his third-straight match with 8 or more saves. 

As a team, Eastern recorded 12 shots, five of which were on goal.

Kansas City had 12 shots in the first half alone, but was held to 5 shots in the second half. Twelve of their 17 shots in the match were on goal.

Eastern plays Kansas City again Saturday at Lakeside Field. The match is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

The Sports Staff can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]