Oct. 11, 2008

Box Score

CHICAGO - The Loyola men's soccer team scored three goals in less than 10 minutes to defeat Bradley, 3-0 Saturday night at Loyola Soccer Park. The Ramblers improve to 8-2-1 and match the program's best start since 1982, while the Braves fall to 5-5-1 on the year. It was Loyola's first victory over Bradley since 1995.

The Ramblers' first scoring opportunity occurred just under 10 minutes into the match, when sophomore Will Martin tore up the right side and fired a shot right into the hands of Bradley goalkeeper Drew Van Kampen for the first of just two shots on goal in the first half for Loyola.

The Braves were outshot 8-5 in the opening period, but did produce three shots on goal, all of which were rejected by senior goalkeeper Brian Byrne, including a diving save late in the half that nearly gave Bradley the advantage.

Just over 20 minutes into the second half, the Ramblers finally found some holes in the Bradley defense, as Martin sent a cross from the right side to junior Mark Halma, who headed it past Van Kampen for the game's first goal at the 66:01 mark.

Halma would strike again just seven minutes later, firing in a shot from freshman Erik Warren for his second goal of the game and third of the season. Less than two minutes later, junior Alex Jones notched his fourth goal of the year off a pass from sophomore Josh Westberg to push the advantage to 3-0.

Martin picked up his second assist of the season, while Westberg added his third in four games and Warren collected his first collegiate assist in the victory. The Ramblers outshot Bradley 19-11 for the match, led by Halma and junior Eric Gehrig, who had four and three shots each, respectively. Byrne recorded a season-high seven saves in his sixth shutout of the season.

Loyola travels to city rival DePaul on Oct. 15 for a non-conference match beginning at 3 p.m.