KINGSTON, R.I. (Oct. 21, 2023) – The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team played Rhode Island to a scoreless draw Saturday night, ending the regular season undefeated in road contests, and clinching its spot in the upcoming Atlantic 10 Tournament. 

"I would just say it's really hard to get points in this league because the league is so strong," said head Loyola Chicago coach Steve Bode. "We were disappointed to not get the three points tonight but I think the positive is that we got the shut out. We found a way to shut them out and get a point on the road, which a lot of teams this time of year won't get - it's hard. I was proud of the fact that we were able to keep a shut out and get the point when we weren't at our best,"

How it Happened
The Maroon and Gold (7-2-4, 3-1-3 A10) came out swinging, firing off three shots in the first four minutes of action. The squad's first shot landed on-frame - a strike to the bottom right corner of the net by John Gates – but the attempt was saved by URI (4-6-5, 1-4-2 A10) keeper, Edu Rodriguez. Just two minutes later, Quinten Blair blasted a shot on-target, but it was again saved. The 'Blers out-shot the Rams, 6-3, in the first frame.

Ben Bischof logged the first shot for LUC in the second half, a strike a that went north of the crossbar. Six minutes later though, Bischof steadied his aim and landed an attempt on-goal, but it was saved. Loyola Chicago noted three more shots through the remainder of the match, including Marc Torrellas' shot on-goal in the 87^th minute, but none found the back of the net as the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Notes

• The last time the program was undefeated on the road was the 2000 season. The Ramblers went 4-0-1 in road matches that year.
• Loyola ended the night out-shooting their foe, for the 12^th time this year, 11 (5) – 6 (3).
• Keeper Aidan Crawford logged three saves on the night.
• The Ramblers led in corners, 10-5.
• One caution was issued in the match – a yellow to Julian Cisneros in the 89^th minute.
• John Gates, Cisneros, and Bischof had had two shots each to lead the team.

Up Next
Loyola will play its final regular season match of 2023 as it plays host to Fordham next Saturday (Oct. 28). Kick is set for 2 p.m. CT at Loyola Soccer Park.

"Fordham had a really good season and is a good team. They could be a NCAA Tournament-caliber team. So it's another great opportunity for us to have them come to our place and we obviously want to finish strong. I think the guys are going to be really excited and get up for it."