CHICAGO, Ill. (August 26, 2021)
 
In Short…
Senior Billy Hency's strike in the early stages of the second half proved to be the difference as the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team (1-0-0) battled past host DePaul (0-1-0) by a final count of 2-1 this afternoon in the regular season opener for both sides at Wish Field.
 
Head Coach Neil Jones' Thoughts…
"We're really happy to get the win.  DePaul is a very difficult opponent and a game that we circle on the calendar every year.  I thought the boys did a great job.  We had to really test our depth today with how hot it was.  It's a great way to start the season and now we turn our attention to Western Michigan."
 
How It Happened
Both sides were challenged throughout the day by oppressive heat that saw temperatures climb well over 90 degrees in Lincoln Park.  The first opportunity of the afternoon fell to DePaul's Jacob Huth, who sent his effort from 15 yards out past a diving graduate student goalkeeper Marcel Kampman, but also just wide of the far post.
 
Loyola saw the lion's share of possession in the opening 45 minutes, but struggled to generate quality chances.  That all changed in the 41^st minute when freshman Benni Hofmann unleashed a blast from the edge of the 18-yard box that deflected off a Blue Demon defender and into the back of the net, giving the Ramblers a 1-0 edge.
 
That lead proved to be short-lived, as DePaul answered back just 2:09 later, with Jack Richards converting from 10 yards out to send the two city rivals into halftime deadlocked at 1-1.
 
Kampman was called into action just 73 seconds into the second half, denying Marek Gonda's attempt to keep the score knotted up.
 
After heading wide of goal just seconds earlier, Hency used a piece of terrific individual skill to send Loyola back in front in the 52^nd minute.  The senior weaved his way around multiple Blue Demon defenders before unleashing a strike from just inside the box that rolled inside the far post and gave the Maroon & Gold a 2-1 lead.  As was the case for the majority of the first half, Loyola dictated the pace of play for large stages of the second stanza, ultimately closing out a season-opening victory over its rival to the south.
 
Looking At The Numbers
- Following today's victory, Loyola is now unbeaten in its last eight matchups against DePaul, going 6-0-2 (.875) during that stretch.
- Junior Oscar Dueso was credited with the assist on Hofmann's first collegiate goal.
- Fresh off a junior campaign that saw him named both the Missouri Valley Conference Player and Midfielder of the Year, Hency notched the 12^th goal of his career.
- The Ramblers finished with a 13-8 advantage in shots, as both teams put three attempts on goal.
 
Up Next
Loyola opens the home portion of its 2021 schedule on Sunday, August 29 when it plays host to Western Michigan in a 5 p.m. kickoff at Loyola Soccer Park.