Oct. 26, 2011

Box Score

CHICAGO - The Loyola men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Valparaiso tonight at Loyola Soccer Park. With the loss, the Ramblers fall to 3-11-1, 1-5-0 Horizon League, while the Crusaders progresses to 8-5-3, 4-0-1 Horizon League.

Overall, the teams were relatively silent on offense, with the majority of the match played in possession among the midfield with both defensive lines resorting to long-ball passes in attempt to initiate true scoring opportunities.

Valparaiso was able to break away and find the back of the net 14 minutes into the second half. Kevin Miller brought the ball up the field on the right flank and sent a cross into the box. He found Charles Barden who executed some fancy footwork to sneak around the Rambler defenders and notch his fourth goal of the season.

Loyola bounced back with an immediate attempt, but the shot from Kyle Spoo sailed wide. With less than five minutes left in the half, the Ramblers amped up their attack with a few final shot attempts, but came up short.

Valparaiso claimed the 8-4 advantage in shots while Loyola ended with the 3-0 edge in corner kicks. Spoo led the Ramblers with two shots on the night. Alex Wynne and Eric Nock also added a shot apiece to the team total.

Peter McKeown earned the starting assignment in the net, gathered three saves, and fell to 2-8-1 with the loss. Kyle Zobeck was the goalkeeper for the Crusaders to collect the shutout win.

Loyola is back in action this weekend when it takes to the road and travels to Milwaukee for a Panther-Rambler duel on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m. CST.