Friday, September 16, 2005

Eastern Illinois scored quick and added a late insurance goal on Friday afternoon as the Panthers defeated Valparaiso 2-0 in Charleston, Ill.

Adam Gartner struck first, just 3:14 into the match as he beat Sean McGinnis (Barrington, Ill./Barrington H.S.) to the right side after picking up a rebound as Dustin Weiher drew the assist.

Trailing just 1-0 at intermission, Valpo was outshot 10-5 in the first half and had yet to register a shot on goal.

Jeff Stewardson added a late insurance tally for Eastern Illinois (2-3-1) lofting a high floater into the left side of the goal at the 80:50 mark.

The Panthers outshot Valpo 20-11 for the match and held a 9-1 advantage on goal. Eastern Illinois also earned nine corner kick opportunities to the Crusaders' five.

McGinnis made seven saves between the posts for the Brown and Gold while Nick Alexander made just one save in the shutout for the Panthers.

Valparaiso (1-4) will return to action on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders head to Kalamazoo, Mich. to battle Western Michigan. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. CDT.