First-years Shine on the Pitch for Loyola Women’s Soccer Against Western Illinois

The Loyola women’s soccer team took the pitch Thursday evening, defeating the Western Illinois Leathernecks by a slim margin of 1-0 off a late unassisted goal by first-year forward Zoe Hevey.

The Ramblers came out strong, maintaining possession of the ball for 70% of the first half and getting off seven shots in the first 25 minutes, forcing the WIU goalkeeper Isabel Navas Rodriguez to make five early saves. The Loyola defense held WIU to zero shots opening.

Heavy pressure from the forwards broke down the Western Illinois defense. First-years Jadyn Haris, Maggie Schmidt and Zoe Hevey each had two shots on goal. However, the first half ended with a clean sheet and a scoreless.

Head coach Barry Bimbi praised the first-year players, many of whom started in this match and played well. 

“We’re excited about this freshman class,” Bimbi said. “They’re talented. They’re adding a lot to the group on and off the field.  It’s always a growth process, with freshmen learning to win at the college level. The little things they maybe got away with at high school and club doesn’t quite translate to the college level. So they’re learning on the fly, and no better way to learn than in games.” 

Early in the second half, the Leathernecks showed a more urgent offensive press, with early pressure put on by the Rambler’s backline. Ramblers senior defender Alania Abel forged a goalline tackle to stop the only offensive attempt by WIU to get in behind the defense.

Within minutes, Loyola regained possession and rallied for three corner kicks in two minutes, the last resulting in a shot off the crossbar by Hevey in the 76th minute, Loyola’s closest chance at finishing to that point. The pace of the game continued to reflect the Loyola-controlled first half.

Rodriguez of the Leathernecks stopped back-to-back corner kicks from the Ramblers in the 62nd minute before Loyola followed with a shot hitting just off the crossbar.  

The Ramblers found the back of the net in the 82nd minute, where Hevey scored an impressive unassisted goal curled into the top left of the net. This late goal summed up the prevailing performance for Loyola, as the ball rarely left Loyola’s offensive side in both halves of play.

“The performance from beginning to end was totally dominant,” Bimbi said. “The girls did what we asked them to do.”

Bimbi said The pressure on the opposing team’s backline was key to this performance. Controlling possession, stepping higher, and pressing were the focus for this week’s match, and Loyola’s execution of these tactics aided them in their victory.

The Loyola women’s soccer team will face off against Ball State University at home in the alopecia awareness game Sunday, Sept. 3. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on ESPN+.

Featured image by Aidan Cahill | The Phoenix