Nov. 6, 2012
Final Stats | Box Score 
CHICAGO - Freshman Ryan Howe scored his first career goal at just the right time this season, helping the Ramblers defeat UIC in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament with the game-winner in the 82nd minute. It was a team effort as Loyola University Chicago played the Flames in dominating fashion, with four players scoring goals as the backline held off a charging UIC offense.
Loyola jumped to the ball at the start of the match, immediately looking to take possession of the game. The Ramblers were on the counter-attack in the 13th minute as freshman Jake Savino made a quick pass up the field to freshman Dane Bergstrom. Bergstrom sent a low effort between the posts for his second goal this season, sending the Ramblers into the lead 1-0.
Savino extended Loyola's lead, 2-0, with a penalty won by sophomore Andrew Raymonds in the 25th minute. On the restart, UIC immediately challenged the Ramblers as Jesus Torres put the Flames on the board 18 seconds later, closing in on Loyola's 2-1 lead.
UIC rode the momentum from its first goal, continuing to pressure Loyola's backline. Thomas Villamil knotted the match for the first time in the 35th minute, powering a shot from 25 yards.
One minute later, Loyola pushed forward on the Flames' territory as senior Nick Sanchez put the Ramblers back in the lead with a low drive from five yards, tucking the ball into the back of the net in the 37th minute. The Ramblers led, 3-2, heading into the intermission.
Senior goalkeeper Peter McKeown was tested in the second half, battling a determined UIC offense. Slobodan Aleksov equalized the match in the 57th minute, receiving a pass from Jorge Alvarez to knot the game, 3-3.The Flames continued to pressure Loyola as McKeown made seven saves to hold UIC at three goals.
It was Howe who sealed Loyola's win in the 82nd minute, playing a loose ball from 25 yards and driving it between the posts. The Ramblers were able to hold UIC until the end of regulation, advancing to the semifinals of the Horizon League Tournament with a 4-3 win.
Loyola will play top-seeded Detroit on Friday, Nov. 9 at Titan Field. The Ramblers look to carry on their postseason success as they defend their 2011 Horizon League Championship. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CDT.
