Men’s Soccer Falters to Fordham in First Conference Match

Loyola men’s soccer fell to their first conference opponent of the season, Fordham University, 2-0 Sept. 19 at Jack Coffey Field in the Bronx, New York. Rams second-year midfielder Bruno Cellerino and first-year forward Arata Mizuno led with a goal each to shutout the Ramblers.

Loyola had a chance to take an early lead in the 14th minute with the match’s first shot on goal from first-year midfielder Nico Kehayov to the bottom left between two defenders. The attempt was stopped by Fordham’s fourth-year goalkeeper Shayon Kashi, who ended the match with three saves. Kehayov booted another ball from long range in the 20th minute that sailed over the crossbar off a Fordham turnover in the short field.

Loyola was favored going into the match, standing 2-0 against teams who hadn’t lost to Fordham. The Atlantic 10 opponents had 11 shots each, but it was the Rams who took advantage of their opportunities.  Second-year midfielder Bruno Cellerino’s well-positioned goal in the 22nd minute was Fordham’s first time scoring since Sept. 5 against Lafayette College.  

After the Ramblers fell behind, fourth-year midfielder Jack McFeely, third-year midfielder Luka Ivancic and fourth-year forward Petar Janjic were looking for the equalizer with a barrage of shots in the 38th and 39th minutes. Janjic’s attempt was on target for the bottom center, but it was once again saved by Kashi. McFeely got another chance up close coming out of halftime in the 49th minute but missed high.

Loyola had a similar attack in the 60th and 61st minutes, this time led by third-year defender Daniel Firs hitting the woodwork. A shot on goal by third-year forward Arven von Vegesack followed, but Kashi made the save — his last of the match. Immediately after, McFeely had a great opportunity up close, but it missed on the left.

At the very last moment, Fordham first-year forward Arata Mizuno found the back of the net for the first time in his college career after a breakaway in the final 13 seconds to put an exclamation point on the Rams’ victory.

Head Coach Kevin Robson gave credit to the Rams while pointing to the Ramblers’ trouble near the goal as a key reason for the loss. 

“It was a tough result on the road today,” Robson said. “I thought we had some solid looks, but we were missing a little edge and sophistication around the goal today. Fordham is a well-organized group and deserved the game. I am looking forward to Saturday at home and a good week of training.”

The Ramblers are looking to bounce back and end their two game skid Sept. 26 in front of their home crowd during Family Weekend with more conference play against George Washington University at 7 p.m. The match is available to stream on ESPN+.