CHICAGO (September. 5, 2022)
 
In Short
The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team (2-0-2) played to its second straight scoreless draw in non-conference play Monday night at UIC (0-2-1). Both sides combined for just five shots on goal and 10 cards in a tough rivalry matchup.
 
How it Happened
Loyola matched the energy from the home crowd and came out playing aggressive in the opening minutes. The Ramblers countered an opening shot attempt by UIC's Pau Mateo with a nice cross into the box from Jason Ybarra, but it was cleared by the Flames.
 
After the two sides traded corner kicks, Loyola found a breakaway on another counterattack near the 15-minute mark. The run drew a yellow card, setting up a near score moments later, as Marc Torrellas caused a turnover and Billy Hency slotted a perfect through to the box, but the offsides flag went up. Hency would eventually find the Ramblers' first shot attempt in the 24th minute after finessing his way to the box from the right corner, but the shot skimmed the side net.
 
UIC tilted the field in its favor toward the end of the first half, starting with a free kick near the top of the box in the 30th minute, which was pulled in by Loyola keeper Simon Jillson. Jillson was a big factor for the Ramblers with three saves and confident decision-making to command the defensive third. He made a pair of diving stops before halftime, one sliding to his right, and one diving to his left with full extension.
 
It was Loyola's third straight match going to halftime tied at 0-0. The Flames held a 2-1 advantage in shots on goal at the break.
 
The second half opened with a revived frantic style of play as both sides tried to break the ice.
 
UIC controlled early possession, but Loyola settled down and worked with patience to start building up opportunities. In the 56th minute, Alex Moskal was fouled in the attacking third while receiving a nice chip from Lukas Ender. That set up a free kick chance for Hency, but the attempt was punched away by UIC keeper Andres Vasquez.
 
Jillson was tested again in the 65th minute and played the bounce with a routine save. After that, the Ramblers started to hold possession longer.
 
In the 72nd minute, a quick run out by Fabian Becerra down the right side and past a defender led to a close-range chance in the box for Julian Cisneros, who missed wide to the near side. Another solid chance came minutes later when Hency found Becerra again down the right side, and Becerra sent in a perfect cross but the header attempt was sent off target.
 
Loyola would record the only corner kick of the second half in the 82nd minute but turned out unlucky. Two minutes later, UIC was forced to play a man down and the Ramblers tried to take advantage. Bryan Silver carved his way through the Flames and was fouled outside of the box. Hency stepped up and fired the free kick with force, but it sailed high.
 
The Ramblers' efforts in the final seconds came up short as Torrellas attempted a scissor kick on late shot attempt. UIC had a late scare with a long-distance pass toward the attacking end, but Jillson made sure to thwart any plans the Flames had for a miracle.
 
Inside the Numbers

• With overtime eliminated in regular-season games this season, the Ramblers have already matched their total number of draws (2) during each of the previous two seasons
• Loyola logged its third consecutive shutout – most since the Spring 2021 season (5)
• Jillson recorded his third clean sheet and tied his season-high mark in saves (3)
• Loyola produced a 5-3 overall shot advantage in the second half, after UIC outshot the Ramblers 9-2 in the first period
• It was the first time in four matches that Loyola had fewer shots than its opponent
• Loyola moved to 7-2-2 over the past 11 matchups with UIC
• The two teams have an even record of 9-9-2 against each other in games played at Flames Field

Up Next
The Ramblers return home on Friday night for its Red Line Rivalry match against DePaul. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Loyola Soccer Park.