Nov. 9, 2012
Final Stats | Box Score 
CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago men's soccer continued to defend its 2011 Horizon League Championship on Friday afternoon as the Ramblers defeated top-seeded Detroit, 1-0, in the semifinals of the Horizon League Tournament. Nick Sanchez had the game-winner for Loyola, notching his second goal of the tournament in the 53rd minute.
"We started off a bit slow, but we worked through it and came out with a great result against a good team," said head coach Brendan Eitz. "Nick did really well finishing up top. Bement started the play, fighting through a one-on-one opportunity, playing the ball to Sanchez. It was a great sequence by both players."
It was a defensive first half for the Ramblers as Detroit immediately pressured senior goalkeeper Peter McKeown and the backline. Loyola was up for the challenge, holding strong as McKeown made six saves between the posts.
Freshman Ryan Howe led much of the counter-attack up top, creating opportunities for the Ramblers. Set-piece opportunities allowed Loyola to generate offensive sequences as freshman Richard Lenke led the team with three shots. Back-to-back corner kicks in the 31st minute gave Loyola scoring opportunities, but the Titan defense locked down, leaving the game nil-nil at the break.
After the intermission, Loyola began to pressure the Titans' backline as freshman Ryan Howe and sophomore Andrew Raymonds posted back-to-back shots five minutes into the second half. Detroit answered with a shot of its own in the 53rd minute by Jason Leslie, who sent the ball high of the crossbar.
After entering the game in the 53rd minute for Howe, Sanchez immediately made an impact for Loyola. Sophomore Brian Bement led a counter-attack against the Titans, dribbling the ball up the pitch and sending a pass to Sanchez in the center. Sanchez powered a shot just inside the box, tucking the ball into the back of the net to give the Ramblers a 1-0 lead.
Loyola dropped back after the goal, steadfastly defending its lead as McKeown held strong between the posts, making a diving save in the 72nd minute. Detroit's Adam Bedell continued to challenge the Rambler's backline, but to no avail as Sanchez' goal sealed the win for Loyola.
"We're really proud of the team for coming together and focusing at this point in the year," said Coach Eitz. "It's been a longstanding tradition to do well in the tournament and we look forward to the championship game on Sunday."
The Ramblers advance to the Horizon League Tournament Championship on Sunday, Nov. 11, at Titan Field where they will take on second-seeded Cleveland State at 11 a.m CDT. This is the fourth time since 2006 that Loyola has made a championship appearance.
