SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (April 17, 2021)
 
In Short…
The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team gave No. 13 Missouri State (11-1-0, 7-1-0 MVC) all it could handle today, ultimately dropping a tightly contested 1-0 decision to the Bears in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship title game at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium in Springfield, Mo.  This afternoon's defeat sees the Ramblers end the 2021 spring season with a final record of 7-4-2 (5-2-1 MVC).
 
How It Happened
Loyola wasted no time in asking questions of Missouri State's backline, with sophomore Oscar Dueso firing high of goal just 63 seconds in before fellow sophomore Alex Moskal saw his headed effort collected by Bears' goalkeeper Michael Creek in the fifth minute.  On the other end of the field, junior Simon Jillson kept things scoreless in the 14^th minute, covering Kian Yari's blast at his near post.
 
Following another Jillson stop in the 38^th minute, Missouri State had arguably the best chance of the opening stanza for either team in the closing seconds.  Jon Koka corralled a pass in the middle of the 18-yard box before firing on goal, only to see his attempt blocked away by the Ramblers, sending the two teams to halftime locked up at 0-0.
 
Jillson shined in the opening stages of the second half, making three saves over the first 6:29 of play.  None of those stops was more impressive that a point-blank denial of Josh Dolling from inside the six-yard box following a scramble off a corner kick.  Junior Tomas Dias came agonizingly close to putting the Maroon & Gold in front in the 70^th minute, as he forced Creek to tip his deep effort off the crossbar, keeping the two teams in a scoreless stalemate.
 
Missouri State found its breakthrough in the 76^th minute.  Following a cross into the box by Yari, Nicolo Mulatero flicked across to Adrian Barosen, who unleashed a left-footed blast from 12 yards out that bested Jillson, giving the Bears a 1-0 lead.
 
With time quickly ticking away in its season, Loyola pressed forward.  Dias found himself back in the mix again in the 80^th minute, finding space at the near post, but was unable to keep his effort from soaring off target.  A terrific service from sophomore Marc Torrellas presented a golden chance for Moskal, who saw his headed try denied by Creek in the 88^th minute.  A last-ditch set piece opportunity in the waning seconds nearly produced late drama, but it wasn't to be, as Missouri State held on to punch its ticket to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Looking At The Numbers
- Missouri State closed the afternoon with a slim 9-7 advantage in shots.
- Moskal, who made his first start since March 14, fired a team-high three attempts, two of which came on target.
- Jillson led Loyola's defensive efforts, recording five saves.
- Senior Tyler Biggs, junior Fabian Becerra, and Torrellas were named to the MVC All-Tournament Team following the conclusion of play.
 
Head Coach Neil Jones' Thoughts…
"Congratulations to Missouri State.  We know that they will represent The Valley well in the NCAA Tournament.  Today was a typical final, a very cagey affair between two great teams.  Ultimately, the game came down to a couple of moments where their player scored a great goal, and their keeper made an incredible save to tip Tomas's shot on to the crossbar.  I couldn't be prouder of this group though.  They've had to battle all year, and today we had to battle without some guys who have been key contributors throughout the season.  We're already excited to get back to work in August."