In Short
The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team claimed the Hampton Inn at Loyola Chicago Classic tournament title this afternoon after defeating Northern Illinois, 1-0. Aidan Megally's lone goal in the 76th minute helped the Ramblers push past a tough Huskie offense.


Coach Neil Jones' Thoughts

"Today was a real battle, than 40 hours since our last game," Jones said.  "Our guys put in a great shift today and I'm really proud of them. Today was decided by a set piece but there were a lot of other pieces in there that were good. I thought Marcel made a couple of huge saves. Ethan Stoneman winning the free kick that led to the goal, those were all big plays that led to a win."

How it Happened

Northern Illinois' first shot opportunity came in the 12th minute, as Nick Markanich sent the ball around Loyola's defenders and just to the left of the goal post. The Ramblers only shot in the first half in the 26th minute was a free kick sent toward the penalty spot. Andrew Mitchell was the first to it, but he headed the ball wide. 

Loyola was able to find their strength in the 50th minute as Justin Sukow held off a Huskie defender and found Megally, who directed the shot high. Megally gained a second chance in the 76th minute, scoring directly from a free kick about 23 yards from goal. Goalkeeper Chris Koninger was able to get a touch, but the shot went off the post and into the net.

The Huskies best chance for the equalizer came in the 86th minute as Luis Hernandez fired a shot off from the top of the box, but it went straight into Marcel Kampman's hands.

A Look at the Numbers
• Kampman finished with five saves for Loyola; Koninger made one save for NIU.
• NIU held a 14-5 shot advantage, including a 6-3 edge in shots on goal.
• Aidan Megally recorded his first goal of the season, 11th in his career.

Hampton Inn at Loyola Chicago Classic Results
1. Loyola
2. Vermont
3. DePaul
4. NIU

All-Tournament Team
Loyola – Fabian Becerra (MVP), Aidan Megally, Billy Hency, Giann Magno
Vermont - Rasmus Tobinski, Adrian Gahabka, Alex Nagy
DePaul – David Gripman, Max De Bruijne
NIU - Louis Sala, Luis Hernandez


Up Next
The Ramblers head to the Golden State this week and will face Cal State Fullerton on Friday Sep. 6 at 7 p.m.