Nov. 3, 2012

Final Stats | Box Score

CHICAGO - It was a fitting end to the regular season for Loyola University Chicago men's soccer as the Ramblers defeated Wright State, 4-3, to advance to the Horizon League Tournament Quarterfinals. Senior Nick Sanchez headlined the night, scoring his first goal this season while Dane Bergstrom, Andrew Raymonds and Reed Patterson each notched a goal of their own to help the Ramblers to the win.

Loyola immediately jumped to the ball at the start of the match, controlling play up top. Bergstrom scored his first career goal in the ninth minute, dribbling down the field on a counter-attack and sending a low effort to the far post to put the Ramblers in the lead, 1-0.

The Raiders worked to challenge Loyola, but a great run by Sanchez down the field and through Wright State's backline allowed for a one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper as Sanchez powered a low shot to the back of the net.

Thirty seconds later, it was Patterson who put the ball between the posts, placing a header on a corner kick by freshman Ryan Howe to extend Loyola's lead, 3-0. Wright State attempted to answer back, pressuring the Ramblers' backline as the teams split possession with 15 minutes left in the half.

The Raider's efforts paid off in the 40th minute as Brett Elder volleyed the ball over senior goalkeeper Peter McKeown to put Wright State on the board, 3-1, heading into the intermission.

At the return of play, Loyola continued to control the game, pulling ahead, 4-1, in the 48th minute. Raymonds chipped a quick shot over the Wright State goalkeeper to extend the Ramblers lead as Sanchez and Bergstrom were credited with the assists.

The teams began to split possession beginning in the 60th minute with Wright State forging its way through the Ramblers' backline. McKeown made three great saves to keep Loyola ahead, until a high shot from the far post by Tim Sampson in the 72nd minute allowed the Raiders to close the margin with Loyola, 4-2.

The match continued to heat up as a defensive battle ensued. Junior Enrique Garcia was able to get a last shot for Loyola in the 89th minute, sending the ball high of the crossbar.

With just under a minute left to play, the Raiders managed to score one last goal as Joakim Carlsson poked the ball between the posts from three yards out. It was a futile attempt for Wright State as the Ramblers earned the 4-3 win.

Loyola heads to UIC on Tuesday, Nov. 6, for the first round of the Horizon League Tournament. The Ramblers look to defend their 2011 championship as they take on the Flames at 7 p.m.