Aug. 23, 2014
Loyola/Western Illinois Final Statistics
MACOMB, Ill. - Armel Kouassi scored a second half goal to lead Western Illinois over the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team, 1-0, in the exhibition finale for both teams this evening in Macomb, Ill. The Leathernecks wrap up exhibition play at 1-0-1, while the Ramblers finish their three-game preseason slate at 1-2.
Loyola dominated the pace of play in the opening 45 minutes on a hot and humid day in Macomb. Freshman Brody Kraussel attempted a pair of shots in the game's first ten minutes. The Ramblers relentless attack generated two corner kicks in short succession in the 13th minute with Ryan Howe firing wide of goal following the second of the two. Freshman Elliot Collier came painstakingly close in the 36th minute, ringing a shot of the post that would prove to be the final opportunity for either team before the referee's halftime whistle.
The Ramblers outshot the Leathernecks, 4-3, in the game's opening stanza, also recording the half's only shot on target.
The hosts looked to find their footing as the second half began. Seconds after Jacob Bevan's shot was blocked by the Rambler defense, Kouassi found the back of the net in the 52nd minute to put the Leathernecks in front. Loyola went in search of an equalizer as both teams continued to battle the elements. Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference selection Brian Bement forced a save out of Yves Dietrich, the Western Illinois goalkeeper, in the 59th minute of play. Rambler netminder Tim Dobrowolski was up to the task just over two minutes later when he denied Charlie Bales at the other end of the field.
Kraussel notched his team-best third shot of the day when he fired high of goal in the 71st minute. Fellow freshman Michael Carragher looked to tie the game inside the final six minutes but saw his attempt go high as the Leathernecks held on to claim a 1-0 victory.
With its exhibition schedule now complete, Loyola can turn its attention to a matchup with the Dayton Flyers on Aug. 30 in what will serve as the regular season opener for both teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. from Loyola Soccer Park.
