Kiki Lara Named EIU Soccer Coach

Kiki Lara has been formally introduced as the new Eastern Illinois men’s soccer head coach.  EIU Director of Athletics Tom Michael announced the hiring of Lara as the ninth head coach in the history of the Panther men’s soccer programon Tuesdayafternoon, March 10.

Lara comes to EIU following a successful stint as an assistant coach at the University of Dayton where he has been on the staff since 2009.  He helped the program win the 2009 Atlantic 10 Regular Season title.  Focusing on the defensive side of the program he has played a crucial role in the Dayton program recording shutouts in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.  During this past season the Flyers post seven shutouts including a string of four straight early in the season.  Dayton finished the season with a 0.94 goals against average as they finished 7-7-5.

In 2013, Lara helped lead the Flyers to one of the best seasons in school history with a .816 winning percentage, including 10 straight wins to open the campaign and just two losses in the entire calendar year. He was also honored as the Mid-Atlantic Region Assistant Coach of the year by the NSCAA. The Flyers also posted a 0.74 goals against average, the second best mark in the Atlantic 10.Dayton has been nationally ranked in 2009, 2012, and 2013 and has had three Top 40 recruiting classes in Lara's time with the program.Lara reunited with Dayton head coach Dennis Currier after playing three seasons for him at University of The Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas from 2001-2003. Lara, a three-time NSCAA all-American and captain, was instrumental in helping UIW capture three consecutive Heartland Athletic Conference championships.