CHICAGO (August 17, 2021)
In Short…
Redshirt junior
Alex Alfaro scored in the 11
th minute, only to see his tally canceled out by a Gabe Anguil strike just past the hour mark as the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team battled Milwaukee to a 1-1 draw this evening at Loyola Soccer Park. Today's result brings the Ramblers' exhibition record to 1-0-1.
Head Coach Neil Jones Thoughts…
"We learned a lot about ourselves tonight. It was a good outing for both teams. We're disappointed not to get the win, especially at home, but we're happy to get a result and stay unbeaten in the preseason. Results do matter at this time of year, but being able to evaluate our players is the most important thing. There were some good moments and some things we need to work on, but it was a positive outing."
How It Happened
After a touch-and-go start, Loyola cashed in on the first scoring opportunity of the evening. Senior
Billy Hency sent a pass into the penalty area that connected with Alfaro, who unleashed a blast that deflected off the far post and spun across the line to stake the Maroon & Gold to a 1-0 lead just over 10 minutes in. Graduate student goalkeeper
Marcel Kampman kept the lead intact shortly after, collecting Paolo Gratton's shot.
The Maroon & Gold continued to heap on pressure as the half wore on, with senior
Tomas Dias and junior
Alex Moskal both seeing attempts denied by Milwaukee netminder Gijs Van Schouten before Hency saw his attempt cleared off the line. Van Schouten's heroics kept the visitors within a goal as the two former Horizon League foes headed to halftime.
Senior goalkeeper
Simon Jillson, who was inserted following halftime, made his first stop of the day only 79 seconds into the second half, turning away Colin Alba. Slowly but surely, Milwaukee grew into the game and was rewarded for its persistence in the 66
th minute when Anguil tucked his attempt in at the near post to put the Panthers back on level terms, 1-1.
Graduate student
Tyler Biggs nearly came up with an immediate answer ton Anguil, only to see his attempt deflect off the post in the 70
th minute. The Ramblers were again denied by the woodwork in the waning minutes of play, as sophomore
Lukas Ender's headed effort rung off the far post, ensuring a 1-1 stalemate.
Looking At The Numbers
- Neither team was shy about taking chances, as Loyola finished with a slim 19-15 edge in shots, with nine of those attempts coming on goal.
- Hency paced the Ramblers with four shots. Biggs and Moskal tallied three attempts apiece.
- Jillson finished with a pair of saves, while Kampman registered one stop during his time in goal.
Up Next
Loyola closes out its exhibition schedule on Saturday, August 21 against Marquette. Kickoff from Valley Fields is slated for 6 p.m.
