Oct. 5, 2013
Final Stats
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team was defeated tonight, 2-0, by Missouri State in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams in Springfield, Mo. Goals by Phil Woods and Jack Roberts secured the Bears three points in the conference standings.
"I give credit to the way Missouri State defended and took their chances offensively tonight," said Loyola head men's soccer coach Neil Jones. "We were not sharp enough in either phase of the game and were punished accordingly. We'll now prepare for another tough game, against Valparaiso, on Tuesday night."
The home side wasted little time in attacking the Loyola net. Roberts unleashed a shot less than thirty seconds into the game that was wide of goal. Both teams racked up a number of fouls before Woods netted the game's first goal, and his first of the season, off a free kick from 25 yards out in the 27th minute to give Missouri State a 1-0 lead. Loyola netminder Zac Brown, making his second consecutive start in goal, responded well, turning away James Fawke's shot less than a minute later.
Sophomore Ryan Howe went in search of an equalizer, only to see his shot ring off the post in the 39th minute of play. Howe's attempt was Loyola's only shot of the first half, compared to Missouri State's five. Despite the discrepancy, the game headed to the intermission with Missouri State holding a slim 1-0 lead.
Following the restart, Missouri State quickly doubled its advantage. Roberts chipped a pass from Jared Gain to himself and slammed it by Brown to give the Bears a 2-0 lead in the 50th minute. Just over five minutes later, it would again be Howe who looked to rally his team. The Rockford, Ill. product unleashed a shot that forced Missouri State goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg to make his first save of the evening.
In the game's closing minutes, Loyola continued to battle for a goal. Sophomore Jake Savino and junior Brian Lunar each had attempts blocked before Savino fired wide of Spangenberg's goal. The flurry proved to be the final chance of the game for either side as it ended 2-0.
Loyola will look to snap its recent run of form when it hosts Valparaiso, a former conference foe, on Tuesday, October 8th. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Loyola Soccer Park.
