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In Short…
Redshirt junior
Grant Stoneman found the back of the net in the dying stages of regulation to help push the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Bradley this evening at Loyola Soccer Park. With the win, the Ramblers move back above the .500 mark at 6-5-3 overall (2-3-1 MVC), while the Braves slip to 8-7-1 (2-3-1 MVC).
How It Happened
Both goalkeepers shined early on in the first half on a perfect night for soccer in Rogers Park. Freshman goalkeeper
Evan Konermann notched his first save of the game just 93 seconds into the first half, denying Clark Emerson, before Stoneman forced a stop out of Brandon Barnes, the Braves' netminder, in the fifth minute.
Konermann came up with arguably one of the biggest plays of the opening stanza in the 23
rd minute. Following a blast by Emerson that was blocked away by the Loyola defense, Konermann scrambled to narrowly tip away Jacob Taylor's attempt off of the ensuing rebound. Barnes, who entered the night near the top of the MVC charts in multiple statistical categories, turned away a try by senior
Kyle Thomson in the 41
st minute to ensure that the two in-state foes would head to the halftime at 0-0.
Following a pair of saves by Barnes early on the first half, Konermann received an assist from his defense in the 56
th minute when Roman Schindler's headed attempt was cleared off the line. Loyola would cash in just under 10 minutes later through the duo of Thomson and sophomore
Aidan Megally. Thomson sent a ball into the box that led to a Megally one-timer that was initially saved by Barnes before trickling over the line to put the Ramblers in front, 1-0.
Bradley provided a response to Megally's tally in the 84
th minute. Following a Rambler foul, Frank Bak delivered a free kick into the box that Gerit Wintermeyer headed past Konermann from close range to pull the visitors level, 1-1. Despite giving up the goal, Loyola continued to push forward and was rewarded with only 100 seconds remaining in regulation. Freshman
Liam Woehrle delivered a ball that connected with Stoneman, who headed past Barnes at his near post to give the Ramblers a 2-1 lead that they would hold until the final whistle.
Looking At The Numbers
- Tonight's win extended Loyola's current unbeaten run to five games.
- Stoneman's game-winner was his first goal of the 2017 campaign. Woehrle picked up his first career assist on the play.
- Megally added his second goal of the season to open the scoring on the night.
- Konermann notched three saves in goal for the Ramblers.
Up Next
Loyola will make the short trip north to Lakeside Field in Evanston, Ill. on Tuesday afternoon to take on Northwestern at 4 p.m.
