Spring Break
Panthers look to close out season strong
Team eliminated from tournament contention
Dan Cusack/Assistant Sports Editor
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: Sports
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Despite not playing for a spot or seed in the tournament, Eastern head coach Adam Howarth said the team still has a lot to play for.
"We had a good practice (Monday)," Howarth said. "We are doing a lot of playing, finishing up strong, making sure everything is right. I told the guys today that we want to make sure we finish with a winning record."
If the Panthers can finish over .500 by winning the last two games, the seniors will have finished three seasons with winning records.
"It is important that we go out with some pride," senior midfielder Evan Philpott said. "We have had a successful year, you cannot take that away because we didn't make the tournament."
He said right now, the Panthers goal is to mix it up in the MVC because standings are not set.
"We have to cause a little bit of trouble and play the role of spoiler," Philpott said.
Senior defender Chris Pearson said finishing with a winning record is important to him, especially with how the team played last season.
"Given how difficult our schedule was this season, to finish above .500 would be amazing," Pearson said. "If we come away with a winning record, I think we can say we had a successful season."
Matches not to be moved
The women's soccer match against Tennessee Martin was moved to Terre Haute, Ind., Friday after heavy rains made the field unplayable.
The men's team will have two more matches remaining on the field and Howarth said those would not be moved.
"We have had some dry weather and some winds so hopefully it will be good for our next games," Howarth said.
Players still positive about season's outcome
Even though the Panthers missed the tournament for the first time in four seasons, Howarth thinks there have been a lot of positives about the season so far.
"We have made a lot of positive steps this season," Howarth said. "We already have more wins than we did last season, we want to make sure we finish off strong. We have a young team. I think those guys have come in and done real well."
Philpott said they set themselves up for a good season, but had some unfortunate results.
"As a program we are getting better and I truly believe we are going to have a better year next season," Philpott said. "The kids that are coming in are working harder and this program is getting better."
The Panthers had 10 new players out of 22 join the team this year and Pearson said with a year of experience playing conference opponents, the Panthers will be better next season.
Dan Cusack can be reached at 581-7944 or dscusack@eiu.edu.
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