Oct. 19, 2007
Box Score
CHICAGO - Sophomore Cynthia Morote-Ariza scored on both sides of halftime, setting the Loyola single-season scoring record in the process, as Loyola got back on the winning track with a 2-0 win over Detroit this evening at Loyola Soccer Park. The Ramblers stay in the hunt for the Horizon League regular season title and improve to 10-7 (5-1 Horizon) while sending the Titans to 3-10-3 (1-3-2).
Loyola opened the match strong, dominating possession and creating chances. Jackie Vera had Loyola's first quality opportunity in the 14th minute, whipping in a 20-yard free kick that Titan keeper Katie Fortenberry was able to turn around the post for a corner kick. Ashley Funk had another good chance in the 32nd minute but was also denied by Fortenberry. After Nicole Gipson forced LU keeper Colleen Dougherty into action late in the first half, the Ramblers would strike. A Titan clearance was headed back in by Julie Kenkel and the ball eventually fell to Morote-Ariza who took two touches to break into the box and beat Fortenberry with a shot to the far post to give the Ramblers a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute.
Morote-Ariza nearly had a second early in the second half, but Fortenberry was again there to make a leaping save after 55 minutes. However, the elusive second goal arrived shortly thereafter, as Morote-Ariza took a pass just over the midfield line and headed for goal, capping a 35-yard run by powering past three defenders and finishing flawlessly for her 12th goal of the season. Her bid for a second hat trick was denied by the crossbar in the 70th minute and Detroit had an excellent chance to get on the board erased on a fine Dougherty save on Melanie Slusher in the 78th minute. The defense remained stout from there to record its seventh shutout of the season.
The two goals upped Morote-Ariza's haul to seven goals in the last six matches and her 30 points (12 goals, six assists) broke her own single-season record of 27 points set last season.
Dougherty recorded five saves before giving way to senior Lauren Sommer for the final 10 minutes.
Loyola returns to action on Sunday afternoon when it travels to take on Youngstown State at Noon CT.
