Sept. 12, 2008

Final Stats

CHICAGO - Two early goals spelled doom for Loyola as Northwestern snatched a 3-1 win in the Ramblers' home opener tonight at Loyola Soccer Park. Loyola slips to 2-5 while Northwestern improves to 4-2 on the year.

Playing in a steady rain, the conditions helped Northwestern get on the board early, as Sam Greene's speculative 20-yard shot slipped through the hands of Loyola keeper Katie Groesch and inside the near post. The Wildcats gained confidence after the goal and began breeching the Loyola defense from the flanks. Their good work was rewarded with a second goal in the 14th minute, as Groesch made a terrific play to push Jenny Dunn's drive onto the crossbar, however, Alicia Herczeg was right there to head in the rebound.

Although Loyola was able to create chances in the offensive third, they struggled to finish. Good work from Cynthia Morote-Ariza helped LU win a pair of corners and the Ramblers hit the back of the net the second time, as Laura Trevillian nodded in Morote-Ariza's corner for her first career goal. The 31st minute tally sparked some life into the Ramblers and they settled for a 2-1 deficit at intermission.

The second half followed a similar script with Loyola enjoying possession in the midfield and Northwestern playing staunch defense and counterattacking. However, it was NU that came up with the next goal, as a lapse defensively allowed Greene to walk in all alone behind the defense and she made no mistake, chipping the keeper to make it 3-1 after 65 minutes.

Loyola's difficult non-conference slate continues on Sunday when the Ramblers travel to Lawrence, Kan. to battle the 20th-ranked Jayhawks at 1 p.m.