The Lindenwood men's soccer team (2-7-1, 1-2-1 SL) picked up its first conference win, defeating Eastern Illinois (1-7-1, 0-3-0 SL) by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday night from Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Mo.

GAME OVERVIEW
Lindenwood maintained most of the possession in the opening half, trying to break down the Panthers defense. The ball control paid off in the 12th minute when Branko Buljan took a strike from around 10 yards out, which found the back of the net, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead. After the goal, EIU started to settle in, as the Panthers generated nine shots, including four on goal. EIU found the equalizer in the 40th minute, tying the game 1-1, which would be the score at halftime.

The Lions regained the lead in the 53rd minute off a set piece corner kick. Anis Smajlovic delivered a high-arching ball that found the head of Cole Hutson, who gave the Lions a 2-1 lead. The Lions maintained that lead throughout the second half, but Eastern Illinois made a push for the equalizer, recording 12 total shots across the second 45 minutes, but only two were on goal. Goalkeeper Meldin Sabotic stopped both. The freshman finished with seven saves on the night.

Lindenwood held on for the 2-1 victory, picking up its first win inside conference play.

GAME LEADERS
Smajlovic (one assist, two shots)
Buljan (one goal, two shots)
Hutson (one goal, two shots)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood travels to Macomb, Ill. for a matchup with Western Illinois on Saturday, October 15. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.