In Short...
In front of a packed crowd at Loyola Soccer Park, the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team captured its first win of the regular season on Friday evening over the visiting Vermont Catamounts, 2-1. 

Coach Neil Jones' Thoughts

"We always know we're up for a battle," Jones said. "Every Missouri Valley Conference game is going to be a physical battle so we have to prepare ourselves for that now and in the non-conference schedule. Today was no mean feat but I'm very proud of the guys for putting in a great shift and coming out with a win."

How It Happened
Loyola struggled to generate opportunities in the first half as Vermont was able to get two shots off, but the Ramblers received a little bit of luck in the 30th minute.

The first and only shot from Loyola in the half came from a Justin Sukow free kick from 18 yards out that was misplayed by goalkeeper Aron Runarsson. Andrew Mitchell was able to sneak around Runarsson and tap the ball into an empty net for his first goal as a Rambler.

In the 62nd minute, the Catamounts were able to find their equalizer when Alex Nagy headed the ball to Adrian Gahabka, who sailed the ball just left of Marcel Kampman and into the box.

Ethan Stoneman sealed the deal in the 68th minute when Fabian Becerra fired the ball across the endline and Stoneman sent it straight into goal for the game winner.

A Look At The Numbers
- Vermont out-shot Loyola, 12-7 with each team putting five of its attempts on target. 
- Marcel Kampman recorded four saves, three of which were in the last 20 minutes, to lead Loyola's defensive efforts.
- Andrew Mitchell recorded his first goal as a Rambler, while Ethan Stoneman notched his second.
- The game took on a physical tone as six yellow cards were given out, two to Loyola and four to Vermont.

Up Next
The Maroon & Gold will wrap up the Hampton Inn at Loyola Chicago Classic on Sunday at 1 p.m. against Northern Illinois in Rogers Park.