INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI men's soccer team had new life this week as they prepared to play Eastern Illinois on Sunday (Oct. 25) in a match that has high implications on the Summit League table. After starting the season 0-7-5, the Jaguars got their first win of the 2015 season last weekend as they blasted Fort Wayne 3-0, and looked good doing it, improving to 1-7-5 (1-0-2). 

IUPUI has battled injuries all season long. Last Sunday (Oct. 18) saw the return of sophomore Uriel Macias, who was joined up top by classmate Emmanuel Usen. The sophomore striker duo started the year as a highly regarded combo attack, but injuries to both took away the firepower of the Jags' offense. 

However, IUPUI continued to stay in games throughout the season, playing multiple ranked teams to draws, including then-No. 8 Denver and -No. 23 Omaha. 

The Jags' victory against Fort Wayne was a solid team effort. Macias netted his first of the season. Senior captain Clint Hoffar cashed in on a one-on-one opportunity for his fifth of the year. Freshman Nick Anderson completed the header-of-the-year over Fort Wayne's 6'7" goalkeeper. Freshman Ben Thornton was a physical presence for the Jags' back line. Junior Harold Agyeman-Prempeh controlled the midfield with his athleticism and senior keeper Eduardo Cortes recorded his 11th career shutout. 

With seven days between games, IUPUI rested an extra day this week before beginning practice on Wednesday (Oct. 21). They spent the week game planning for an Eastern Illinois team that is 2-9 on the season and 0-3 in Summit League play. The Panthers desperately need a conference win to stay alive while the Jags are likely one win away from locking up a spot in the conference tournament.

Sunday's match (Oct. 25) will be begin at 1 p.m. ET at Lakeside Field in Charleston, Ill..