FAIRFAX, Va. – The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team lost a heartbreaking road contest at No. 13 George Mason Wednesday night. The Ramblers held a 1-0 edge for over an hour of play, but the nationally ranked Patriots scored two unanswered second half goals to claim victory.
How it Happened
Loyola Chicago struck first in the 19th minute with Urdiales netting his third goal of the season. The sequence started when
Michael Hong executed a brilliant tackle in open space, forcing a George Mason turnover.
Nicholas Roe quickly recovered the loose ball and set up Urdiales. The Santander, Spain native cut inside, accelerated past the Patriots' defense, and sprinted into a prime scoring position. As the GMU goalkeeper charged forward to close him down, Urdiales calmly chipped the ball over the keeper, finding the back of the net to give Loyola a 1-0 lead.
Keeper
Aidan Crawford made some impressive saves throughout the match to keep his squad in front of George Mason. One such save came in the first moments of the second half when the keeper swept away a GMU strike, just in front of goal, with his left hand.
GMU scored the equalizer though 20 minutes into the frame. A few short moments later with Loyola on its heels, the Patriots doubled down with another goal to take a 2-1 lead.
Through the remainder of the contest, the Maroon and Gold tallied three shots, but none landed on-goal as George Mason ended the evening on top.
Notes
- Tonight was the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
- The Ramblers racked up nine shots with two being on-target. GMU had 15, with five being on-target.
- The Ramblers led in corners, 5-3.
- Urdiales, Benji Chavarria, and Matthew Andrusko led the way with two shots each.
- Crawford notched three saves in the loss.
Up Next
The Ramblers are next in action this Saturday (Oct. 12) as the squad takes on VCU on the road. First touch is set for 6 p.m. CT with the action streaming live on ESPN+.
