LOVES PARK, Ill. (February 21, 2021)
 
In Short…
The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team closed out the non-conference portion of its 2021 spring schedule with a 0-0 draw in double overtime against city-rival DePaul this evening at the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park, Ill.
 
Head Coach Neil Jones' Thoughts…
"Credit to DePaul.  I thought they defended really well and showed good team character.  We didn't start the game well and looked a bit sluggish.  We finally turned it on in the second half and in overtime and had some good chances.  Their goalie made a couple of fantastic saves to basically pull the ball out of the net.  We just have to be more clinical in the final third, be cleaner, and set up better chances."
 
How It Happened
After a touch-and-go opening 20 minutes, freshman Julian Cisneros tallied the first shot on target for either team, forcing a comfortable save out of DePaul goalkeeper Drew Nuelle.  Sophomore Alex Moskal took aim five minutes later, sending his attempt well high of goal.  The Blue Demons' Santiago Rodriguez nearly made Loyola pay for a turnover in its own third in the 40^th minute, but fired wide of the far post.
 
The top opportunity of the opening 45 minutes for either team fell to junior Billy Hency just three minutes before halftime.  Hency dashed into the 18-yard box and set his sights on goal, only for Nuelle to make a point-blank save to send the two city rivals to halftime in a 0-0 stalemate.
 
Outside of an early look for DePaul's David Gripman that was blocked away by the Ramblers in the box, Loyola had the better of the chances in the second half.  Cisneros fired wide from 25 yards out just past the hour mark, before sophomore Marc Torrellas saw his shot from the edge of the box wrapped up by Nuelle. 
 
Becerra came dangerously close to putting Loyola in front in the 83^rd minute when he fired at the far post, only for Nuelle to make a leaping save.  A penalty shout followed in the resulting scramble, but nothing was given as the Maroon & Gold headed to overtime for the second time in their first three games.
 
Cisneros had the best chance of the opening extra session in the 95^th minute, unleashing a rocket that forced an outstretched save out of Nuelle.  Hency had arguably Loyola's top chance to end it in either overtime in the 102^nd minute when he found space on the left side of the penalty area, but Nuelle came up big again, parrying away the attempt as the game ultimately ended scoreless.
 
Looking At The Numbers
- Loyola finished the night with a 20-10 edge in shots, putting nine of its attempts on goal.
- The Rambler defensive unit secured its second shutout in as many games, limiting the Blue Demons to just one shot on target.
- Cisneros and Hency spearheaded the Rambler attack with five shots apiece.
- Nuelle finished the night with nine saves to lead DePaul.
 
Up Next
Loyola opens Missouri Valley Conference play on February 28 when it plays host to Drake at 2 p.m. in Loves Park, Ill.