CHICAGO (February 20, 2021) – The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team will be back in action on Sunday evening when it closes out the non-conference portion of its 2021 spring schedule against DePaul in Loves Park, Ill.  Kickoff from inside the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
Last Time Out: First-half tallies from juniors Fabian Becerra and Billy Hency sent Loyola past Northern Illinois, 2-0, last Sunday in Loves Park, Ill.  Becerra, who was named the Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday, opened the scoring in the 24^th minute, before Hency slotted home from the penalty spot just over six minutes later.  Led by MVC Defensive Player of the Week Michael Hong, the Rambler defensive unit allowed the Huskies just one attempt on goal en route to securing its first shutout of the season.
 
vs. DePaul: DePaul sits at 0-0-1 on the young season following a 2-2 double-overtime draw with Northern Illinois this past Wednesday.  After falling behind 1-0 in the 56^th minute, two Jake Fuderer tallies sent the Blue Demons in front, only for the Huskies to draw level with 33 seconds remaining in regulation.  Predicted to finish fifth in the BIG EAST Conference's Midwest Division, third-year head coach Mark Plotkin returns 10 starters from 2019, a group led by Fuderer, who lead the Blue Demons in both goals (4) and assists (4).
 
Series Stuff: Sunday's tilt marks the 38^th installment of the Red Line Rivalry.  Loyola has rattled off four straight wins against their neighbor to the south to open up a 19-14-4 (.553) in an all-time series that dates back to November 7, 1981.  When the two teams met last season at Loyola Soccer Park, a Hency brace proved to be the difference, as Loyola repelled a late DePaul charge to pick up a 4-2 victory.
 
Up Next: Loyola opens Missouri Valley Conference play when it hosts Drake in Loves Park, Ill.  Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. from inside the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two.