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Loyola University Chicago Athletics

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Fabian Lifka Celebration
2
Winner Loyola LUC (7-6-3, 3-3-1 MVC)
1
Missouri State MSU (9-4-1, 5-1 MVC)
Winner
Loyola LUC
(7-6-3, 3-3-1 MVC)
2
Final
1
Missouri State MSU
(9-4-1, 5-1 MVC)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Loyola LUC 1 1 2
Missouri State MSU 1 0 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

Ramblers Rally To Stun Missouri State, 2-1

Loyola picks up first road win over the Bears in program history

Box Score (PDF)

In Short…
The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team battled back from an early deficit to defeat MVC leader Missouri State this evening, 2-1, at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium in Springfield, Mo.  With the win, Loyola improves to 7-6-3 (3-3-1 MVC), while the Bears drop to 9-4-1 (5-2-0 MVC).
 
Coach Jones' Thoughts…
"Missouri State is a very difficult opponent, and place to play.  There is a reason why they are atop of the MVC standings, and one of the best defensive teams in the country.  Our guys played with a supreme level of energy and commitment tonight, which is what it takes to win games at this time of year.  As a staff, we're extremely proud of their effort.  Tonight was a team win."
 
How It Happened
Following an early stop by Missouri State goalkeeper Liam Priestley on senior Elliot Collier, the Bears cashed in on their first attempt of the night.  Conor Ingram worked his way down the right side of the field before connecting with Josh Dolling, who slotted home from 12 yards out to put Missouri State in front, 1-0, in the ninth minute.
 
Loyola wasted little time in responding through the pairing on Collier and junior Fabian Lifka.  Collier connected with Lifka at the top of the six-yard box before the Kelkheim, Germany native calmly slotted home to pull the Maroon & Gold level, 1-1, with just over 17 minutes gone.  Quality opportunities were at a premium throughout the rest of the opening 45 minutes, as the two sides headed to halftime knotted up at a goal apiece.
 
The Ramblers sustained early pressure from the Bears to begin the second half before pinning the hosts back in their defensive third.  Missouri State cleared away a pair of Lifka corner kicks just before the hour mark, while Collier forced another save of Priestley in the 67th minute. 
 
Loyola used a bit of good fortune to ultimately take the lead in the 69th minute.  A deflection in the box off of Missouri State's Ben Stroud managed to sneak past Priestley, giving the Ramblers a 2-1 edge.  With time winding down, Loyola would continue to dictate the pace of play.  Sophomore Aidan Megally's bid to add an insurance tally in the 84th minute was collected by Priestley.  Last ditch efforts by both Jack Buckle and Stuart Wilkin soared wide of goal, sealing an impressive road win for Loyola.
 
Looking At The Numbers
- Tonight's victory marked Loyola's first on the road over Missouri State in program history.  The Ramblers were 0-2-1 in their previous three tries prior to this evening.
- Lifka notched his fourth goal of the season in the first half to pull into a tie with Collier for the team lead in the category.
- Collier paced the Rambler offense on the evening with a game-high five shots, two of which came on target.
 
Up Next
Loyola closes out the regular season next Saturday (Nov. 4) when it hosts Evansville.  The Ramblers will honor their graduating seniors prior to the 7 p.m. kickoff against the Purple Aces at Loyola Soccer Park.
 
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