CHICAGO – The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team lost, 1-0, to Rhode Island Saturday at Loyola Soccer Park. The Ramblers racked up a season-best 23 shots, while limiting URI to four, in the loss.
"Disappointing end result. We told the guys that we're proud of the effort. It's nothing to do with effort," said Loyola Head Coach
Steve Bode. "We had some really good looks on-goal, especially in the first half, and the ability for one, probably for us to pounce on one and get a goal or even a bounce to go our way - we certainly created enough. But of course, we weren't able to get that one that we needed."
How it Happened
The Ramblers dominated possession through the first half, rattling off six shots before the Rams mustered one. Loyola Chicago's first attempt on-target came from
Petar Janjic's head as the sophomore connected on a corner kick in the box. His attempt, however, was saved by Rhody keeper, Edu Rodriguez.
The Maroon and Gold continued to control ball possession and fired off an impressive 11 more shots through the half. Rodriguez was called into action to make four saves against Loyola, including a promising on-target effort from
David Siemionko. It was the Mount Prospect, Ill., native's first-ever shot on goal, coming in just his third career start.
The 'Blers sent off two shots to begin the second half –
Julian Cisneros' attempt in the 55
th minute was blocked before
Grant Bailey corralled the rebound and rocketed a shot which required Rodriguez to make a jumping save with one hand.
URI broke through the 0-0 deadlock in the 77
th minute, scoring on a breakaway after Loyola lost possession in their half of the field. Loyola Chicago was unable to even the score in the waning moments of the match as URI earned the road victory.
Notes
- Loyola's 23 shots marked a season-high.
- Rhode Island was limited to four shots.
- Bailey led the way with a season-high four shots.
- Cisneros, Ben Bischof, and Daniel Firs tallied three shots each – all season-highs.
- Aidan Crawford had one save.
Up Next
The Ramblers are next in action this Wednesday (Oct. 9) as the squad travels to George Mason. First touch I slated for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.