CHICAGO (September 24, 2022)
In Short
Loyola University Chicago (5-1-2, 1-1-0 A-10) earned its first conference win as a member of the Atlantic 10 Saturday at Loyola Soccer Park in a convincing 4-0 triumph over George Washington (3-3-2, 1-1-0 A-10) in the first meeting between the two teams. With the victory, the Ramblers posted their largest shutout over a league opponent in six years, while remaining undefeated in five home games this season.
Head Coach Steve Bode's Thoughts...
"It was fantastic to get our first A-10 conference win in front of a sold-out crowd on family weekend. Scoring four goals and getting the shutout was a great way to respond after a disappointing result last weekend. The guys really worked hard this week to be prepared for this game. We couldn't be happier with the result today."
How It Happened
Loyola scored twice in both halves and overpowered the visitors with a daunting 20-6 margin in total shots. The Ramblers wasted no time and took the early lead in just the ninth minute, as senior midfielder
Marc Torrellas delivered a beautiful corner kick for his first assist to redshirt-senior midfielder
Billy Hency, who directed a perfect header into the back of the net.
With constant pressure applied in the attacking third, Loyola struck again in the opening stanza to grab a 2-0 lead in the 35th minute when sophomore forward
John Gates buried home a rebound shot off a save in the box. Junior defender
Julian Cisneros launched a strike on target that forced George Washington keeper Justin Grady to make a diving stop, and Gates was in perfect position to clean up from close range.
In the second half, the Ramblers put the game out of reach by scoring twice in span of three minutes shortly after the intermission.
The third goal of the night came from graduate student forward
Fabian Becerra, who made a highlight-reel run in the 51st minute, working past through three defenders into the box and ultimately finished with precision.
Then, it was
Alex Moskal's turn as the senior forward finished nicely from a tight angle in front of the keeper in the 54th minute. That came off the second assist of the day provided by Cisneros.
Inside The Numbers
- Loyola recorded its largest shutout win since defeating Moody Bible Institute 4-0 on Oct. 16, 2018. It's the Ramblers' largest shutout win over a league opponent since defeating Drake 4-0 on Oct. 8, 2016
- Loyola won its fifth straight home game, matching its highest streak posted last season. The Ramblers have won 10 out of their past 11 games played at Loyola Soccer Park
- Loyola outshot its opponent for the seventh time in eight games this season, including the second-most total shots (20) and tying the team's season-high mark for shots on goal (10)
- The Ramblers took five corner attempts compared to only two by George Washington
- Graduate student goalkeeper Simon Jillson improved to 5-1-2 in goal and made two saves on the day
- Hency scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season and third game-winner. It was his 24th career goal with the Maroon & Gold
- Cisneros logged two assists for the first time in his career, running his season total to a team-high four helpers on the year
- Gates recorded his second goal of the year while Moskal netted his first. Both now have four career goals
- Becerra ran his career goals total to 15 with his third strike on the season. He's scored at least three goals in four straight seasons
- Loyola had 21 players contribute with playing time in the conference home opener
Up Next
Loyola opens a two-game road swing when it travels to reigning A-10 champion Saint Louis on Saturday, Oct. 1. Kickoff time is set for 7 p.m. in the Gateway City.
