Late Goal Pushes Valpo Past Loyola, 1-0

September 28, 2011

Sept. 28, 2011

CHICAGO – The Loyola women’s soccer team could not break out of their losing streak as it fell in its conference opener to Valparaiso tonight at Loyola Soccer Park. Even though the Ramblers fought through regulation and controlled the majority of possession in the second half, the Crusaders snuck in a goal in the final minutes to take the 1-0 victory. With the loss, Loyola moves to 3-7-1 overall and 0-1 in the Horizon League, while Valpo moves to 2-0 in the conference and 6-4-2 overall.

After what started as a low-key match highlighted by a defense-oriented Loyola squad, the Ramblers provided a contrast and heated up after intermission to increase their intensity and take control of possession. Loyola switched it momentum to collect six of seven total shots in the second half.

The best scoring opportunity for the Ramblers came in the 58^th minute when a foul by the Crusaders caused a free kick about 16 yards out. Allison Rydberg sent the ball into the mix where Tricia Stonebraker was taken out to block a direct shot followed by an attempt from Maggie Olsen that sailed just wide of the right post.

With just over seven minutes left to go in regulation, the Crusaders capitalized when, off of assists from Rachel Hoaglin and Casey Pedersen, Luisa Desario snuck a shot past Monica Gonyo in goal for the game-winner.

Gonyo earned the start between the posts to take the loss and move to a 3-4-0 record on the season.

Loyola finished with the 7-5 advantage in shots while Valparaiso ended with the 6-3 edge in corner kicks. Rydberg and Stonebraker each finished with two shots, one shot on goal, in the match. Olsen, Allison Shimer, and Chelsie Stokes added one shot apiece to round out the team total.

The Ramblers continue conference play when they travel to Cleveland State this Friday and take on the Vikings at 6:00 p.m. CST.

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