CHICAGO (Aug. 30, 2023) – After posting its sixth-straight home-opening win last Sunday against Lindenwood, the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team looks to add to its win total as it takes on Cleveland State Friday evening on the road before returning home for a Labor Day matchup with Oakland.

LAST TIME OUT
The Ramblers (1-0-0, 0-0-0 A10) started the 2023 campaign with a resounding 2-0 shutout over Lindenwood (0-2-0, 0-0-0 OVC) last Sunday at Loyola Soccer Park. After a scoreless first frame, Markus Maurer scored in the 59th minute and Benni Hofmann in the 63^rd to lift LUC over the Lions at the ninth-annual "Hustle to Hoyne". The Ramblers sent off 19 shots (seven on-target) while the squad's defensive corps held Lindenwood to eight (two on-target). 

WHEN AND WHERE
Loyola Chicago will meet Cleveland State (1-1-0, 0-0-0 HL) Friday (Sept. 1) at 6 p.m. CT on Krenzler Field. On Monday (Sept. 4), Loyola will face off against Oakland (0-2-0, 0-0-0 HL) at 1 p.m. on Hoyne Field.

HOW TO WATCH
Friday and Monday's matches will be live streamed to ESPN+. Fans can also follow the live stats free of charge.

THE HISTORY

Cleveland State

• The Ramblers own a 14-9-1 advantage, including a seven-game unbeaten streak from 2004-2008, in its all-time series with their former Horizon League foe.
• Friday's game be a rematch of last season's meeting between the two squads which resulted in a 1-1 draw on Oct. 19, 2022.
  • Marc Torrellas' goal in the 82nd minute knotted the contest before the fulltime whistle ended the contest at Loyola Soccer Park.
• Loyola's first win over the Vikings occurred in 1995 at home and was the inaugural meeting between the two clubs.
• LUC is 5-5 when playing CSU on its home turf.

Oakland

• After Loyola departed the Horizon League in 2013, Oakland joined the league shortly thereafter.
• LUC and the Golden Grizzlies have met just three times prior to Monday's matchup: in 2018, 2011, and 2010.
• The last time the two squads met in 2018, Oakland overpowered the Ramblers 6-1 at Loyola Soccer Park.
  • Grant Stoneman scored for the Maroon and Gold in the 67th minute off a corner kick.
• Loyola beat Oakland 1-0 on Oct. 5, 2011 at home.
  • Brian Bement's 28^th minute game-winner propelled the Ramblers to victory.
• The Golden Grizzlies won the first matchup between the two clubs, 1-0, on their home field.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

Cleveland State

• After falling, 3-2, in its season opener to Bowling Green Aug. 24 on the road, the Vikings rebounded for a 4-3 road win over Canisius last Monday (Aug. 28).
• Albert Portas leads the Vikings with six points off three goals while Bojan Kolevski is close behind with four points off a team-high two assists and one goal.
• The team has sent off 24 total shots through its two contests while opponents have logged 27 against CSU.
• Ryan Poling leads the team between the posts with four saves and 115 minutes in net.

Oakland

• The Golden Grizzlies fell 4-0 to No. 11 Marshall and 2-1 to Xavier in back-to-back road games on Aug. 24 and 26, respectively.
• Andrew Darakdjian has scored Oakland's lone goal this year. He also leads the team in shots with five (four on-goal).
• Keeper Alex Flowers mans Oakland's pipes with 17 saves and five goals allowed thus far.

LOOKING AHEAD
Following these two matches, the Ramblers return to action next Friday (Sept. 8) for a primetime showdown against UIC (2-0-0, 0-0-0 MVC) in the Hampton Inn Chicago Classic. Kick is slated for 7 p.m. at Loyola Soccer Park.

FOLLOW THE RAMBLERS
Fans can receive the most up-to-date information by following the Ramblers on X and Instagram.
 
Tickets for Loyola Chicago's home games are on sale now! Adult tickets are priced at $7. Youth (ages 4-14) and faculty/staff tickets are available for $5. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at a reduced rate of $3 each. These group tickets need to be purchased in advance. You can arrange your group outing by calling 773-508-WOLF. Click here to purchase.