CHICAGO – Loyola Chicago men's soccer opened the 2026 campaign with a 2-0 shutout win at Green Bay Thursday night. The game winner came in the 52
nd minute as head coach
Kevin Robson earns his first career win.
With the win, Loyola improves to 1-0.
"I'm really proud of the boys and how they played tonight," said Robson. "I thought we were very solid offensively and defensively against a team that will win a lot of games this year. It was a great road win, and I'm really looking forward to playing in front of a packed house at Hoyne on Sunday!"
How It Happened
The first half was deadlocked at the break despite a combined seven shots by the Ramblers and Phoenix. Green Bay had the only attempt on goal in the 23
rd minute, but
Maxwell Ionita made the save in his Maroon & Gold debut.
Both teams picked up the pace in the second half with each taking seven shots. The Ramblers finally found the back of the net in the 52
nd minute.
Chimnosoh Okeke sent a cross in the box that made contact with
Mateusz Drazek before
Daniel Firs got his head on it for the game winner.
Nearly 20 minutes later,
Seth Stewart netted a deflection off the Green Bay goalkeeper to secure the 2-0 win in the 80
th minute.
Inside the Box Score
- This marks the first win for head coach Kevin Robson.
- The Ramblers have won five of their last six season openers.
- Ionita made three saves in goal and earns the win.
- Loyola tallied nine shots to Green Bay's 12.
- Stewart, Okeke, and Arved von Vegesack had two shots each.
- Stewart had a match-high two shots on goal.
Up Next
The Ramblers open the home season Sunday with Hustle to Hoyne. Kickoff with Northern Illinois is set for 1 p.m. at Loyola Soccer Park.
