Sept. 15, 2006

Box Score

CINCINATTI, Ohio - Michael Ferguson's goal at the 98:33 mark punctuated a four save performance by starting goal keeper Sean Bond and gave Loyola its fourth victory of the season, a 1-0 shutout, on Friday night at Xavier University Soccer Complex. The Ramblers have won four of their last five matches and are now 4-3 this season while the Musketeers dropped to 3-4.

The offenses had chances throughout regulation to break the tie but failed to capitalize on the opportunities. Xavier took eight shots in each half and out shot Loyola 16-10 through the first 90 minutes.

Loyola goal keeper Sean Bond (Dallas, Texas) responded by stopping every Xavier shot on goal, saving four shots for third shutout of the season and fourth of his career.

The Ramblers took control offensively in overtime by creating scoring opportunities and converting one for the win. Loyola managed two shots in overtime while Xavier did not attempt one.

The game-winning goal finally came after Keum Sung Kim (Arlington Heights, Ill.) and Matt Marek (Fox River Grove, Ill.) worked to gain possession within the offensive zone before striking a service into Ferguson (Overland Park, Kan.) in the box. Ferguson managed to head the ball past the keeper for his third goal of the season. Kim (2) and Marek (1) were credited with assists on the play.

A pair of freshman are now tied for the team lead in goals, both Ferguson and Alex Jones (Downers Grove, Ill.) now have three goals apiece. The other Rambler to score this season is Marek, who has two goals through the first seven games.

The Ramblers return to Loyola Soccer Park on Sunday at 1 p.m. against the Western Michigan Broncos. The Broncos moved 2-4 this season after a 3-2 defeat of IUPUI on Friday.