CHICAGO – The regular season wrapped up Sunday afternoon in a 2-2 draw with VCU.
Olivia Rhodes and
Madeleine Barone each scored their second goals of the season on their senior day.
With the tie, Loyola Chicago's 2023 campaign came to a close. The Ramblers finish the season at 7-7-4 overall, 3-3-4 in the league.
"Today was tough," said head coach
Barry Bimbi. "The girls gave everything they had. They knew what was at stake. We needed a win and the three points to get into the Atlantic 10 tournament. From the opening whistle to the end, they did everything we asked, never folded, and they showed what pride they had in this program."
How it Happened
It was a battle from the start with both the Ramblers and Rams needing a win Sunday afternoon to make the A10 tournament. Each fired off a shot on goal in the first nine minutes of action prompting early saves by the keepers.
Luck would then strike for the Rams in the 18
th minute with an opening for a goal by Kanna Matsuhisa for the 1-0 lead.
In the 30
th minute, Rhodes would net the equalizer for the Ramblers. Rhodes dribbled down the left side of the pitch beating two defenders. She scored from five yards out of the top of the box unassisted. The match was tied at the half 1-1.
The Rams tallied three straight fouls, the last of which set
Amanda Cassidy up for a free kick in the attacking third. Her shot hit the cross bar deflecting back down to the turf. Barone was there to tap the ball in for a 2-1 lead in the 54
th minute for Loyola.
VCU tried to answer in the 61
st and 79
th minute, but
Naya Lipkens came up big with two saves. The Rams then got one past her in the 82
nd minute to tie it 2-2. Neither team tallied another attempt, and Sunday's match ended in a draw.
Inside the Box Score
- Rhodes and Barone finish the season with two goals each after Sunday's match.
- Cassidy's assist brings her 2023 point total up to six finishing the year with two goals and two helpers.
- Loyola outshot VCU, 14-8. Shots on goal were tied, 5-5.
-
Taylor Harrison led the match with four shots.
- Lipkens made three saves. She finishes the season at 7-7-4 in goal.