Sept. 22, 2012
Final Stats | Box Score 
CHICAGO - Loyola women's soccer outlasted Cleveland State on Friday night, earning its first conference win of the season after scoring in the third minute of the game. It was a defensive battle for the Ramblers, who held the line against mounting pressure from the Vikings in the second half to take the 1-0 win.
A corner kick by senior Jessie Hubly ignited the Ramblers' offense, sending the ball into the goalie box in the third minute. Junior Tricia Stonebraker was there to receive the kick, making a quick pass to freshman Brielle Haupt, who punched the ball between the posts. The goal was the second for Haupt this season, giving Loyola the lead, 1-0.
"We've really talked to the team about pressuring at the opening whistle," said head coach Barry Bimbi. "It's great to get that reward for the hard work of an early goal and luckily tonight that one goal was enough to get us the win."
The Ramblers continued to look strong in the first half, earning set piece-opportunities to challenge the Vikings' defense. In the 22nd minute a free kick taken by sophomore Valerie Gonyo set up two back-to-back shots for Loyola. Sophomore Allison Shimer shot the ball 18 yards out, but was blocked by a Vikings' defender as sophomore Moriah Schwarz picked the ball, sending it just high of the goal.
Loyola went into the half with the lead, outshooting Cleveland State, 9-1, and taking the advantage in corner kicks, 5-0.
After intermission, Cleveland State looked to make a comeback, dominating the second half. Hubly and Valerie Gonyo buckled down on defense, working to withstand the offensive pressure of the Vikings.
Cleveland State's Taylor Vidovic led the Vikings up top, leaving sophomore Monica Gonyo working hard in goal, ending the game with five saves. The Vikings' offensive showing in the second half could not break the Ramblers, however, as defensive play proved to be a deciding factor in the 1-0 win.
"It's great to start conference play with a win," said Valerie Gonyo."It definitely gives us momentum moving forward and we're at the top of the league now and we'd like to stay there."
Loyola takes a quick break from conference play on Sunday, Sept. 23, heading to Terre Haute, Ind., where the team will take on Indiana State at 12 p.m.
