CHARLESTON, Ill. – The IUPUI men's soccer team lost a close 1-0 contest to Eastern Illinois on Sunday (Oct. 25). The Jags controlled the game but one break for EIU was the difference maker as IUPUI moved to 1-8-5 on the season and 1-1-2 in Summit League play.  

"EIU was better than us today," Head Coach #Isang Jacob said. "We came in flat. It was disappointing that we didn't finish our chances."

Despite a scoreless first half, the Jags controlled the contest with a 4-0 edge in the shot count through 45 minutes. 

The Panthers opened and closed the scoring early in the second half. EIU's Trever Kearns received a pass on the left side, beat an IUPUI defender one on one and finished in the 50th minute. The goal came on EIU's first shot attempt of the entire game and their only shot on goal. 

"They had a chance to counter and we just didn't defend," Coach Jacob said. "Credit to EIU because I don't think people give them the credit they deserve. They're a good team." 

IUPUI got a chance to even things up in the 72nd minute as the Jags were awarded a penalty kick. Senior Clint Hoffar took the penalty but the shot was saved by EIU's Mike Novotny. 

Sophomore Emmanuel Usen had two shot attempts in the 84th and 85th minute from corner kick opportunities. The Jags desperately pushed for the equalizer down the stretch but couldn't find the back of the net. 

IUPUI senior keeper Eduardo Cortes didn't record a save in the contest, as EIU attempted only one shot on net for the only goal. Cortes came into Sunday's game ranked second in the NCAA in saves. The lack of saves is a credit to the IUPUI defense as the Jags outshot EIU 10-3 in the game, 5-1 on goal. 

Now 1-1-2 in the Summit League, IUPUI is still alive in the run for postseason play. With five points, the Jags will likely need a win against Western Illinois or Oral Roberts in November for a shot at the four-team Summit League Tournament. 

"We had the opportunity in front of us today," Coach Jacob added. "It will be difficult going forward." 

The Jags will look to bounce back against Northern Kentucky (8-4-3) on Wednesday (Oct. 28) in a 7 p.m. non-conference matchup before taking on Western Illinois and Oral Roberts in November to close out the season.