Oct. 16, 2013
Final Stats
DENVER, Colo. - The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team managed to keep a high powered Denver offense quiet for nearly an hour but the Pioneers scored two goals in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory over the Ramblers this evening at CIBER Field in Denver, Colo. Senior Eric Nock led the attack for the Maroon & Gold with two shots against the Pioneers.
"Denver is a quality team and were very patient in their approach tonight," said Loyola head men's soccer coach Neil Jones. "We defended well tonight, in the first half especially, but two minor errors on our part were punished by good finishes. To earn results on the road against good teams like Denver you have to put in flawless performances. We move on to an equally difficult road game against Bradley on Saturday."
Loyola relied heavily on sophomore goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski in the early stages of tonight's game. The Rockford, Ill. product was forced into making all four of his first half saves in the opening thirty minutes of play before Loyola began to establish itself at the other end of the field.
The Ramblers two attempts on goal in the first half came in rapid succession. Nock, making his first start since Sept. 28, and freshman Kevin Engesser tested Denver goalkeeper Oliver Brown in the 36th and 37th minutes, respectively, but the Pioneer goalkeeper proved to be up to the task and kept the game scoreless headed to the halftime break. Despite being outshot 5-2, Loyola's defense managed to keep a Denver side that has already posted four or more goals in a game at three different points this season scoreless through the opening 45 minutes before its home crowd.
Zach Bolden broke the scoreless deadlock in the 56th minute when he took a pass from Taylor Hunter and drilled a shot into the upper-right corner of Dobrowolski's net to give Denver a 1-0 lead. The Loyola netminder responded positively in the aftermath of the game's opening goal, turning away Bolden's bid for a second goal less than three minutes later. Dobrowolski continued to keep his side within one as the second half continued, making two more saves.
Cole Chapleski delivered the dagger in the 74th minute. Following a well-placed pass from Bolden, Chapleski dribbled in on goal and slotted his shot into the back of the net from three yards out to double the advantage for the Pioneers. Loyola continued to go in search of a goal to cut into the deficit but Nock's blocked attempt in the 79th minute proved to be the final shot of the evening for either side as it ended 2-0 from the Mile High City.
Loyola returns to Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend, traveling to Bradley on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Shea Stadium in Peoria, Ill.
