PHILADELPHIA - Loyola Chicago battled to a scoreless draw with Saint Joseph's on Wednesday night at Sweeney Field, earning an important point in Atlantic 10 play.
"Tonight was a hard-fought A-10 match," said head coach
Steve Bode. "A lot of physical duels with few chances created by either team. Our effort and commitment to secure the shutout were impressive. Points in this conference never come easy. Now we turn our focus to recovery before going back at it on Saturday against La Salle,"
How it Happened
The Ramblers (4-3-5, 1-1-2 A-10) held firm defensively throughout the match, limiting the Hawks to just one shot on goal. Goalkeeper
Gabe Velasco earned his second shutout of the season without needing to make a save, as the Loyola back line stayed organized and composed under pressure.
Luka Ivancic,
Daniel Firs,
Petar Janjic, and
Hugo Urdiales each registered a shot for the Ramblers, with Urdiales producing the team's lone shot on target in the 88th minute. Loyola finished the match with four total attempts while keeping Saint Joseph's (4-4-3, 1-2-2 A-10) from capitalizing on its 11 shots and six corner kicks.
Velasco and the Loyola defense weathered several dangerous first-half sequences, including a missed penalty kick by Saint Joseph's in the 41st minute.
Game Notes
- Loyola earned its second straight draw in Atlantic 10 play and is unbeaten in four of their last five games.
- Goalkeeper Gabe Velasco recorded his second shutout of the season.
- Loyola limited Saint Joseph's to one shot on goal.
- Both teams received three cautions apiece, for a total of six in the match.
- Attendance was 473 at Sweeney Field in Philadelphia.
Up Next
Loyola returns to play this Saturday (Oct. 11) at La Salle. First touch on ESPN+ is set for noon CT.
