Aug. 19, 2010
Chicago- After surviving weeks of two-a-day practices in the grueling Chicago summer heat, the Loyola women's soccer team is ready to open the 2010 season this weekend, as the Ramblers welcome Big Ten member Illinois and Big Sky opponent Idaho State to the Loyola Soccer Park.
Last Time Out...
On August 13, the Ramblers travelled down Sheridan Avenue to face-off against Northwestern in a friendly tune-up match at Lakeside Field. Northwestern won the unofficial contest 5-0, as both teams experimented with numerous lineups and provided young players the opportunity to compete against Division-I talent.
Opening Day Flashback...
In the first game of the 2009 season, Loyola welcomed cross-town rival DePaul to the Loyola Soccer Park. Unfortunately for the Ramblers, the Blue Demons scored early off a penalty kick and never looked back, winning the contest 4-0.
Opening Weekend...
After a fourth-place finish in the Horizon League standings last season, the Ramblers kick-off the 2010 season this weekend with a pair of home matches against two deep and talented programs: Illinois and Idaho State. Both matches will take place at the Loyola Soccer Park.
Loyola Scouting Report...
Despite losing four starters to graduation, Loyola returns a solid lineup to the field in 2010. Seven starters return from last season, including last season's leading goal scorer and point-getter midfielder Nikki Staton, and second team All-Horizon League members forward Laura Trevillian and goalkeeper Katie Groesch. In addition, Loyola head coach Frank Mateus added 10 players to this year's roster, bringing the Rambler total player count to 31. The squad is made up of players from 10 different states, coming from as far as Alaska, New York and California.
Illinois Scouting Report...
On Friday, the Fighting Illini will make their first ever appearance to the Loyola Soccer Park. The Orange and Blue hold a 2-0-0 all-time series advantage, with Illinois taking last season's match 2-0 in Champaign. In 2010, Illinois welcomes back eight starters, including top players Jordan Hilbrands, who was the team's leading goal scorer last season, and Danielle Kot, who has started and played in 62 of the last 63 games since 2007. Illinois was picked to finish seventh in the preseason Big Ten coaches' poll.
Idaho State Scouting Report...
The Bengals make their first ever appearance to Loyola Soccer Park this Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. After reaching the Big Sky Tournament final game in 2009, Idaho State was selected fifth in this season's preseason conference coaches' poll. The Bengals return two all-league members from a year ago, including the 2009 Big Sky Newcomer of the Year Ashley Jones.
Watch the Game Live...
Loyola vs. Illinois will be broadcast live on the Horizon League Network, beginning at 7:00 p.m. CDT. Sign up for an account at www. horizonleaguenetwork.com. All action on the Horizon League Network is free of charge.
