Men’s Soccer Shutout SIUE After Late Game Winner

Loyola men’s soccer defeated Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Sept. 10 at Hoyne Field. After constant back-and-forth action, the Ramblers broke through late to obtain the win.

The Ramblers came out attacking early, with fourth-year midfielder Jack McFeely taking two shots in the opening nine minutes, both falling wide on the left. Just moments later — after finding the ball in the attacking third —- Ramblers third-year midfielder and forward Benji Chavarria sent a shot toward the bottom right corner, forcing Cougars third-year goalkeeper Ioannis Koupepides to make a save.

SIUE responded with pressure midway through the first half. The Cougars’ second-year defender Mathias Clausen recorded two shots following a corner with his first blocked by Ramblers defense, while the second attempt sailed over the net in the 20th minute.

The Cougars continued to challenge Loyola’s third-year goalkeeper Maxwell Ionita. In the 26th minute, Clausen sent a shot toward the bottom center of the goal, but Ionita made the save before stopping another attempt from Cougars third-year forward Amos Boum Nlend a minute later.

Loyola looked to regain momentum before going into halftime. After constant possession in the midfield, first-year midfielder Mateusz Drazek and third-year midfielder Luka Ivancic both found shots in the final five minutes, but neither attempt found the back of the net as both teams entered halftime scoreless.

Early in the second half, the Ramblers came out searching for a goal to break the lock. Loyola third-year forward Arved von Vegesack fired a shot off a cross from Ivancic in the 49th minute but it was sent wide. In the 55th minute, SIUE third-year defender Robbie Spain won the ball in the Ramblers defensive third and took a shot as Ionita was there to cover.

SIUE picked up momentum as they possessed the ball in the Ramblers’ defensive third. The Cougars threatened Loyola’s defense again as Spain fired a shot toward the bottom left corner in the 58th minute. Ionita made another save to keep the score level.

In the 69th minute, the Ramblers responded as third-year defender Daniel Firs put a shot toward the top of the net, but it was saved by Koupepides. McFeely followed with another shot, but his attempt went over the woodwork.

The Cougars nearly broke through late in the match. In the 82nd minute, Cougars fifth-year defender Elliott Forestier sent a shot toward the bottom corner after a Rambler defensive error, but Ionita made the save. Just two minutes later, Ionita was tested again by Cougars third-year midfielder Juan Rodas, but Ionita kept the game scoreless.

With the clock winding down, Loyola finally found a breakthrough. Off a brief counterattack, Drazek played a ball through the Cougars midfield which Vegesack retrieved and chipped Koupedides to give the Ramblers a 1-0 lead in the 89th minute.

Loyola held on through the final seconds to secure their fifth victory of the year. Ionita finished the match with six saves as the Ramblers recorded their fourth shutout of the season.

As the win kept the Ramblers undefeated in their first seven games, Head Coach Kevin Robson reflected on the team’s culture and the way the group has continued to rely on one another early in the season.

“They’ve really bonded on and off the field, and that goes a long way in soccer where the margins are tight,” Robson said. “This group plays for each other, and they play for the school.”

The Ramblers will continue non-conference play against University of Illinois Chicago at Flames Field Sept. 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.