Game #10

Lindenwood (8-0-1, 1-0-0 OVC)
at. Eastern Illinois (1-4-2, 0-0-1 OVC)
Match Information:
Date: Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
Location: Charleston, Ill.
Venue: Lakeside Field
First Kick: 3:00 p.m. CT.
All-Time Series: 3-1-1.
Last Meeting: W, 2-0.
Live Stats: Lindenwood @ Eastern Illinois
Watch: ESPN+

Last Time Out
The Lions Men's Soccer team got back in the win column last Saturday as they opened up Ohio Valley Conference play with a win on the road at SIUE. Alander Soares and Gavin Csiszar both scored in the second half to defeat the Cougars for the first time in the Division I era. Quinn Closson had three first half saves and the defense for Lindenwood did not allow a single shot on goal in the second half en route to their sixth shut-out victory of the 2025 season. Matteo Landais led the Lions in shots on goal with two in the contest, while Luca Bartoni added one shot on goal of his own. 

Lindenwood and Liberty are tied atop the OVC standings with three points each as the Flames picked up a win at home over Southern Indiana.

About EIU
The Panthers started OVC play with a 1-1 tie on the road at Western Illinois to pick up a point in the conference standings. EIU enters the contest with the Lions with an overall record of 1-4-2 with their lone win of the season coming on the road over in-state opponent Northern Illinois. The Panthers are led by Senior Midfielder Casey Welage, who leads the team in goals (2), points (5), and shots (19). EIU's goalkeeper, Franco Barba, ranks tied for second in the OVC in saves with 45. 

The Lions defeated the Panthers twice last season by scores of 6-0 and 2-0. Ethan Blake scored two of his eight goals in 2024 against EIU, while Jozef Palushaj and Jordan Matthews also scored against the Panthers a season ago.  

Stats To Know

• Quinn Closson won his second straight OVC Goalkeeper of the Week Award, which was announced Tuesday morning by the OVC.
• Closson ranks third in the country in several statistical categories including save percentage (.939), shutouts (6), and GAA (0.26)
• Mikey Lennon became the fifth Lion in 2025 to win a Player of the Week Award
• Gavin Csiszar is tied for first in the OVC in goals scored with five.
• The Lions are looking for their first 2-0 start in conference play since joining the OVC back in 2023. 

Up Next
Lindenwood will return home for their conference home opener on Sunday, October 5 when they host Western Illinois. First kick is set for 3 p.m.