CHICAGO - The Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team is gearing up to play its home opener this Thursday (Sept. 5) against Wright State after three straight road matches to open the season.

KICKING OFF

• Kick off is slated for 7:30 p.m. under the Hoyne field lights with the action streaming live on ESPN+. Scott Sudikoff and Loyola Hall of Famer, Jack Cannon, will call the game.
• The match will follow the Rambler women's 5 p.m. match against Toledo. A ticket to either match is valid for both events. 
• The Ramblers return home after a tough road stretch that saw a loss at Michigan to commence the season, a tie at Creighton, and a loss at Omaha.
• Loyola Chicago's matches against Creighton and Omaha were a part of the recently renewed Jesuit Invitational.
• Loyola Chicago enters the regular season with three exhibition matches under its belt. The Ramblers began the thee-game slate by hosting Wisconsin before traveling to Western Michigan. LUC ended the preseason with a neutral site meeting against Milwaukee.
• This is the first time since 2004 Loyola has played three-straight games away from Rogers Park to open a season.
• After finishing second in the 2023 league standings, LUC was picked to finish fourth in this year's Atlantic 10 Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Maroon and Gold received two first-place votes in the poll.
• Goalkeeper Aidan Crawford, who was named the A-10 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023, landed on Preseason All-Conference Team. He's the sole keeper on the A-10's preseason team.

GLANCE AT WRIGHT STATE

• Alex Van der Sluijs holds a 6-10-5 overall record in two seasons at Wright State.
• After going 4-9-5 overall last season, the Raiders have started the 2024 campaign 2-1.
• WSU dropped its season opener at Bowling Green but rebounded for two straight wins against Lindenwood and at Saint Francis.
• Wright State's attack is led by Felix Ezekwuka and Edwin Espinal.
• Espinal has scored one goal in all three of Wright State's matches thus far for a total of six points while Ezekwuka scored against BGSU and Saint Francis.
• Joel Shaw played the full 9- between the posts against Lindenwood and Saint Francis, racking up eight saves through 19 shots faced.
• Wright State was picked ninth in the 2024 Under Armour Horizon league preseason poll.

NOTABLE NUMBERS AND NOTES

• Last season, Loyola Chicago compiled an 8-2-5 overall record and was 4-1-3 in conference play.

• In its third season as part of the Atlantic 10, LUC looks to earn its first conference championship since 2019.
• The Ramblers return 16 student-athletes from the 2023 roster, including nine with starting experience under their belt.
• Along with their returners, the Ramblers added 13 key pieces to the 2024 roster, including 10 freshmen and three transfers.
• Luka Ivancic and Nicholas Roe, two newcomers, have started all of Loyola's matches thus far.
• According to the NCAA, Loyola Chicago has the third-toughest schedule in DI men's soccer with a .889 percentage. Only Wofford and Kentucky have tougher schedules. 
• Aidan Crawford has faced 44 shots thus far in the season. Last year, he faced 107 total. The keeper has averaged 5.00 saves per game, ranking second in the league. His 15 total saves rank second as well.
• Against Creighton, Crawford posted a career-high eight saves in the 1-1 draw.

SERIES STUFF VS. WRIGHT STATE

• In an all-time series that dates to 1991, the series is deadlocked 10-10-2. However, Loyola is 5-4-1 against the Raiders in matches played at Hoyne Field.
• The former Horizon League Foes have not met since Nov. 3, 2012. In that meeting, which was a high-scoring affair, Loyola came out on top, 4-3.
• Loyola advanced to the Horizon League Tournament Quarterfinals with the win, capping the regular season.
• Senior Nick Sanchez scored his first goal of the season, with Dane Bergstrom, Andrew Raymonds, and Reed Patterson also contributing goals.
• Loyola Chicago has won the last two meetings and have not lost to Wright State since Oct. 22, 2011.

FOLLOW THE RAMBLERS
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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.