Aug. 25, 2012

Final Stats | Box Score

CHICAGO - After equalizing in the 39th minute to tie the game 1-1, the Loyola Ramblers suffered a tough loss during their home opener against Central Arkansas in overtime. Sophomore Andrew Raymonds scored the Ramblers first goal of the season, with an assist by sophomore Brian Bement.

"We got the goal just before the break," said assistant coach Stan Anderson. "The goal was a good goal. Daniel Hare got a good touch and played it into midfield. Bement earned the ball and gave it to Raymonds to finish it. It gave us some momentum going to second half. We just didn't get on the roll and we didn't take advantage of a ball we should have won defensively."

Central Arkansas looked strong in the first half, controlling most of the play and taking advantage of missed possessions by Loyola. The Ramblers were able to hang on, with both teams recording six shots apiece.

A header by Central Arkansas' Michael Quinn found the back of the net off a left side cross from Mickey Segura 15 minutes into the game, putting the Bears out front 1-0. With six minutes left until the half, Bement made a hard run up top for the Ramblers, sending a low cross to Raymonds who put the ball between the posts 10 yards out. The goal allowed Loyola to tie the game 1-1.

Central Arkansas answered immediately with Brian Miller ripping a shot that freshman Tim Dobrowolski was able to swat away, allowing the Ramblers to enter the second half with a tied game.

It was a different story for the teams, as they both split possession in the second half. Loyola made moves up top dispersing the ball amongst its forwards. A shot by freshman Jake Savino set the tone for the Ramblers only two minutes in, but the Bears refused to let up, hammering down on defense.

By the end of regulation the scoreboard remained the same, signaling overtime. With the teams back on the field, Central Arkansas left no doubt the team was in it to win. Only two minutes into overtime, Manuel Montal tapped a loose ball in from two yards out off an assist by Miller, ending the Ramblers hopes of winning their home opener.

"We're going to work harder," said Bement. "Our goal was to work harder and be more fit than any other team we play. We're going to build up the positives and we'll be good for the next game."

Loyola returns to practice this week, taking to the road on Friday, August 31 as the team visits Drake University. The game will be played in Des Moines, Iowa with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m.