CHICAGO – Loyola Chicago dropped a 3-1 decision to UIC on Monday night (Sept. 15) at Loyola Soccer Park. The setback moves the Ramblers to 2-2-3 overall before conference play beings this weekend.

"I thought we started well, getting the early goal in the first half," Head Coach Steve Bode said. "We created some good chances beyond that, but UIC is a quality team. They lead the country in shots and goals, and overall I thought we held them at bay in the run of play. Ultimately, it came down to two set pieces that made the difference on their second and third goals. We had some good looks on our own set pieces that we didn't finish, and that was the difference in the game."

How It Happened
The game opened at a quick pace, with UIC firing off 11 shots in the first 27 minutes to Loyola's four. The Ramblers capitalized on their fifth attempt in the 26th minute, when freshman Antonio Pinto buried a one-touch finish for his fourth goal of the season. The play developed after Hugo Urdiales' header ricocheted off the post and Grant Bailey kept the sequence alive.

UIC answered in the 34th minute, as Edouard Nys converted the equalizer off a feed from Sota Nakazono and Carlos Nevarez.

The Flames pulled ahead in the 55th minute when Jacobo Cruz slotted home the go-ahead goal, assisted by Nys. Cruz struck again in the 67th minute, this time assisted by Nakazono, to extend UIC's advantage to 3-1 and close the scoring.

Game Notes

• Aidan Crawford made six saves in net for Loyola Chicago.
• Urdiales led the team in shots with four.  
• UIC held a 25-15 edge in total shots, including a 9-3 margin on goal.
• Attendance was 522 on Latine Heritage Appreciation Night.

Up Next
Loyola Chicago opens Atlantic 10 play on Saturday (Sept. 20) at Rhode Island. First touch is set for 11 a.m. CT with live coverage on ESPN+.