CHICAGO (October 8, 2022)

In Short
Loyola University Chicago played to a scoreless draw against No. 16 Dayton in Saturday's Atlantic 10 men's soccer action at Loyola Soccer Park. With the result, Loyola moved to 5-2-4 (1-2-2 A-10) overall, posting its second shutout of a ranked opponent while remaining unbeaten at home this season. Dayton's record moved to 8-0-3 (2-0-3 A-10) on the year. 

Head Coach Steve Bode's Thoughts...
"Today was a hard-fought point against a nationally ranked Dayton team. Our team battled for 90 minutes and I'm proud of their effort. This game caps a very challenging three game week against St. Louis, VCU and Dayton who are all very talented teams. Looking forward to getting a week to regroup before we get back at it next Saturday for another home A-10 game."

How It Happened
Loyola saw several scoring opportunities during a physical matchup, which marked the first meeting between the two sides in eight years, and the first meeting as league rivals.
 
In the opening minute, sophomore forward John Gates found himself open with a runaway chance but was unable to flick a shot past the charging keeper. From there, things swung back and forth during the first half with the Ramblers putting four shots on frame, including two from Gates, one by Fabian Becerra and one from Bryan Silver. Goalkeeper Simon Jillson had three saves in the opening stanza.
 
The action on the pitch grew more physical in the second half as both teams pressed for a game-winner. Two solid chances for the Ramblers came in the 56th minute, when Oscar Dueso nearly finished a great play into the box, and in the 71st minute as Quinten Blair's heavy left-footed strike blasted off the left post.
 
The Flyers created some dangerous moments in the final minute, but both shot attempts were sent off target. Senior defender Andrew Mitchell made a late tackle near the 18, shutting down a threatening Dayton rush – and was just one of many outstanding defensive plays on the day for the Ramblers.

Inside The Numbers

• Loyola remains unbeaten in six home games (5-0-1)
• Both teams tallied 13 shots in the match, including six in the first half and seven in the second stanza
• The Ramblers held a 6-4 edge in shots on goal
• The result is the 6th shutout for the Ramblers, and the second clean sheet against a ranked opponent
• Jillson finished with four saves, tying is season-high mark and running his season total to 26
• Billy Hency and Blair each took three shots, while Becerra and Gates logged two attempts
• UD keeper Dario Caetano posted six saves
• Loyola didn't allow a corner kick for the second time this season (IUPUI)

Up Next
Loyola will return to action next Saturday against La Salle (3 p.m. CT) during Alumni Weekend in Rogers Park.