Sept. 15, 2012

Final Stats | Box Score

CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago men's soccer earned its first win of the season on Friday, Sept. 14, edging past IPFW, 1-0. Freshman Jake Savino scored the game-winner for the Ramblers in the 89th minute.

"We played well the first half," said head coach Brendan Eitz. "We set out looking to earn corner kicks and shots on goal and we accomplished that. Set-pieces can win or lose a game, and tonight they helped us win it."

The Ramblers looked to be the team to beat in the first half, opening up on offense and creating set-piece opportunities. Sophomore Andrew Raymonds pressured the Mastodons in the 15th minute, posting two back-to-back shots from five yards out that were blocked by the IPFW backline.

As the first half progressed, Loyola continued to take shots, determined to score the first goal. In the 31st minute, Raymonds sent a cross to Savino who punched the ball directly in front of the goal where freshman Dane Bergstrom eagerly awaited. Bergstrom looked to power through the ball and send it between the posts, but goalkeeper Brandon Cloutier made a great save, holding the game scoreless.

A corner kick by freshman Ryan Howe closed out the first half for Loyola with just under two minutes on the clock. Even with a 4-0 corner kick advantage and a 9-2 lead in shots, the Ramblers could not finish up top, heading into halftime to regroup.

The second half played out much different as IPFW returned from the break, bent on snagging their first win of the season. It was a defensive battle for Loyola with senior goalkeeper Peter McKeown and the backline working hard to hold off the Mastodons.

IPFW managed to notch nine shots to Loyola's five, earning four corner kicks and challenging the Loyola defense. Even with the momentum the Mastodon's carried, however, the Ramblers' managed to fight back.

With only two minutes left in regulation, Savino helped Loyola to its first win, taking a quick shot on goal from five yards out, sending the ball past the IPFW goalkeeper. It was the first goal of Savino's collegiate career and proved to be enough to hand the Ramblers the win, 1-0.

"Our game plan was to make sure we performed under pressure," said sophomore Brian Lunar. "We managed to hold our composure, especially in the second half. I think consistency in the backline and vocalization to the changes being made gave us a lot of confidence. This win gives us the momentum we need, and we're hoping to get a win-streak going."

Loyola heads to Charleston, Illinois on Tuesday, Sept. 18 for its next game, where the Ramblers will play Eastern Illinois at 4:30 p.m.