CHICAGO (Sept. 25, 2023) – The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team, undefeated in its past four matchups, looks to end its non-conference slate on a high note as it travels west to take on NIU tomorrow (Sept. 26).

WHEN AND WHERE
The Ramblers (5-1-2, 1-0 A10) face the Huskies (2-6, 0-2 MVC) tomorrow evening in DeKalb, Ill.. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex.

HOW TO WATCH
The match will be live streamed to NIU's athletics' website. Fans can also follow the live stats free of charge.

LAST TIME OUT
LUC battled the Duquesne Dukes to a 1-1 draw last Saturday afternoon at Loyola Soccer Park. Lukas Ender's goal, an equalizer in the 64th minute, helped the Ramblers secure one point in Atlantic 10 play. His goal was his first of 2023 and the third of his four-year Rambler career. Loyola out shot Duquesne, 20 (11) - 4 (3) after a full 90. John Gates had five of those shots - a career high. His three shots on-goal tied his career high.

NOTES

• The 'Blers rank No. 1 in the nation averaging 8.38 shots on-goal per game.
• Loyola is second in the nation on shots per game with 18.12.
• The team has out shot every foe in every match this season.
• The Ramblers have yet to lose a road match this season. The team is 3-0-1 when facing foes on their home turf.
• Loyola Chicago is in a five-way tie for the No. 2 spot in the Atlantic 10's standings. Davidson owns the top spot.
• An impressive 10 separate Ramblers have recorded a goal while 11 others have at least one assist this year. Seven student-athletes have a goal and an assist to their name.
• With just seven goals allowed thus far, Loyola ranks No. 2 in the league in GA (.88 pg).
• With an average of 2.625 assists per game, Loyola leads the conference in the category. John Gates, with an average of .625 assists per game, is third in the league.
• Oscar Dueso and Marc Torrellas are tied for the sixth spot in the A-10's top-shooters with 2.88 per game.
• Lukas Ender (608) and Noel Hansson (607), both defenders, lead the team in minutes played.
• LUC is outscoring its foes, 18-7.
• Loyola leads the A-10, per game, in assists (2.625), goals (2.25), points (7.13), and shots (18.13).

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

• On a four-game skid, the Huskies have faced some tough opponents in No. 9 Missouri State (L, 0-3), No. 15 Notre Dame (L, 0-1) and No. 13 Northwestern (L, 1-2).
• The squad's last win came on Sept. 4 with a convincing 7-2 win over Aurora.
• In its first year as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, NIU is searching for its first league win.
• Eddie Knight paces the Huskies' attack with seven points (three goals, one assist).
• Taisei Arima has a team-high 17 shots.
• Jacob Rojek mans the NIU pipes. He's allowed 14 goals and registered 34 saves through 109 shots faced.

THE HISTORY

• In an all-time series that dates to 1981, Loyola trails to NIU, 8-13-3.
• Loyola Chicago has shutout NIU in each of the past five meetings, outscoring the Huskies, 7-0.
• Four of the last five matchups have been in Rogers Park. The last time the two played in DeKalb was in 2015.

LOOKING AHEAD
Following Tuesday, the Ramblers return to Loyola Soccer Park this Saturday (Sept. 30) as it plays host to VCU at 3 p.m.. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and join the team in celebrating its class of seven graduating seniors prior to kickoff.

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.