CHICAGO – Taking a quick break from Atlantic 10 play, the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team fell, 3-1, to crosstown foe DePaul Tuesday night at Loyola Soccer Park.
Luka Ivancic scored in the 74
th minute for the Maroon and Gold, but the Blue Demons held on to win the 2024 iteration of the Red Line Rivalry.
"I think one of the main things were the opportunities that we had early - not converting on those was huge," said Loyola Chicago Head Coach
Steve Bode. "If one of those go in, it's probably a different game. So often, these inner-city rivalry games end up going to the team that grabs hold of it first. Obviously, we're disappointed in the results, but I think we never gave up. I think we fought to the end,"
How it Happened
DePaul struck first in the 27
th minute, scoring two quick goals in succession to take a 2-0 lead over the Ramblers. Loyola Chicago fought hard for the rest of the half, with
Angel Mendez firing two shots, one on-target, but the DePaul keeper denied it.
At halftime, the Ramblers adjusted and came out of the gates swinging. Loyola sent off an impressive 11 shots in the initial 25 minutes of play until Ivancic broke through in the in the 74
th.
Petar Janjic passed to
David Siemionko, who then fed Ivancic a beautiful ball in the box. Ivancic, who was onside by a hair, took a touch and flicked the ball to the top shelf for the score.
Later,
Jack McFeely had a chance to level the match in the 80
th minute, but his strike was saved. DePaul capitalized a few moments later however, taking a 3-1 lead over the Ramblers. Loyola Chicago rattled off four more shots, three of which were on-goal, before the final horn sounded.
Notes
- Despite falling, the Ramblers out-shot DePaul, 21 (10) - 8 (6). Loyola's 21 shots and 10 on-goal were the team's most thus far in 2024.
- Making his first start between the posts, Alex Ortiz notched a career-high three saves.
- Ameer Abdullah, Daniel Firs, and Siemionko all made their collegiate debuts.
- Ivancic netted his third-career goal while totaling a career-best - and match-high - five shots.
- McFeely's four shots and Mendez's three were also career-highs.
Up Next
The Ramblers return to A-10 play Saturday (Sept. 28) as the team faces Saint Louis on the road. First touch is set for 7:30 p.m. CT with the match broadcast on ESPN+.
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