In Short…
Ian McGrath scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal just before the hour mark as Evansville defeated the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team, 1-0, this afternoon in the quarterfinals of the 2017 Missouri Valley Conference Men's Soccer Championship. Today's result from Shea Stadium in Peoria, Ill. sees the Purple Aces improve to 11-8-1 on the year (3-4-1 MVC), while the Ramblers close the 2017 season at 7-8-3 (3-4-1 MVC).
How It Happened
After clearing away a pair of early Evansville corner kicks, Loyola took control of possession and began to dictate the pace of play. Junior
Alec Lasinski notched the first shot on goal of the afternoon in the 13
th minute when his attempt from 15 yards was collected by Evansville goalkeeper Matthew Keller. Adam Snow looked to connect on a counterattack less than a minute later for the Purple Aces, but sent his shot over the crossbar.
Both teams were presented with chances over a short span in the middle stages of the first half. Sophomore
Aidan Megally unleashed a left-footed try towards the far post in the 28
th minute that was cleared away by the Evansville defense before Ben Weber hooked a one-on-one opportunity wide of the near post just over a minute later in what would prove be one of the first half's final scoring opportunities.
The first chance of the second stanza fell to Simon Waever, who netted the deciding goal in last Saturday's regular-season finale between the Purple Aces and Ramblers. Waever sent a headed effort off of the post, before the ensuing rebound was cleared away. Evansville would cash in just over two minutes later when McGrath finished off a set-piece opportunity to put the Purple Aces on top, 1-0.
Lasinski came close to providing a response to McGrath's tally in the 64
th minute, only to see his looping effort narrowly evade the crossbar. Senior
Elliot Collier headed just high of goal in the 87
th minute as Loyola continued to press forward. A finally flurry in the dying stages of regulation failed to produce a late equalizer as Evansville moved on to Friday's semifinals.
Looking At The Numbers
- As was the case in last Saturday's regular-season, Loyola owned a dominant edge in shots, as it finished with a 15-6 advantage in the category.
- McGrath's deciding strike proved to be Evansville's only attempt on target of the afternoon.
- Today's defeat brings an end to the collegiate careers of Collier,
Kyle Thomson and
Jordan Valentic-Holden. Together, the trio has helped account for 39 wins during their time in Rogers Park, highlighted by helping lead Loyola on a magical run to the second round of the NCAA Tournament back in 2016.
Coach Jones' Thoughts…
On the seniors: "Today was a gut-wrenching end to the careers of three amazing seniors. What Kyle, Elliot and Jordan have given to this program is immeasurable. They became the fabric of this program, and while they will be sorely missed in the locker room, and on the field, their contributions will always be remembered."
On 2018: "As a staff and team, we must regroup, and refocus our attention to a better 2018 season, which begins tomorrow."
