UE Men’s Soccer Drops a 1-0 Road Match at Loyola

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Freshman goalkeeper Greg Niven snared a career-high seven saves

CHICAGO - The University of Evansville men’s soccer team (2-7, 0-2 MVC) was defeated 1-0 at Loyola University Chicago (5-3-2, 1-1 MVC) on Saturday night. The only score was a 15th minute Ramblers goal.

“Road games in the Valley are tough and there is probably no tougher place to play than Loyola,” said Evansville head men’s soccer coach Marshall Ray. “Tonight, we were unable to capitalize on our chances and gave up a goal on a set piece in the first half. Our guys battled, fought, and worked until the end. Unfortunately we couldn’t come up with the equalizer.”

Loyola leapt ahead with a goal from senior defender Jacob Thoreson just 15 minutes into the contest.

Despite four first half shots, UE was unable to even up the score in the opening stanza.

The Aces had a few opportunities in the second half but a 71st minute shot from senior forward Nate Opperman was saved and a 90th minute attempt from sophomore midfielder/defender Ian McGrath was blocked at the top of the 18 yard box.

Freshman forward Zac Blaydes, sophomore forward Desmond Dolphy and McGrath tallied two shots each for Evansville. Entering the match with six collegiate saves, freshman goalkeeper Greg Niven secured a career-high seven saves in the match.

This is the first loss for the UE against Loyola (the Aces were previously 16-0 versus the Ramblers).

“Credit to Loyola, just like the other teams in the conference, they are going to be competing for a championship once we get into November,” added Ray. “We are going to have to pick ourselves up, get prepared for Kentucky and then see everybody at Arad McCutchan Stadium on Saturday when we take on Bradley in another very important conference match.”

Evansville is at UK on Wednesday, October 7 before returning home on Oct. 10 to host Bradley. That home contest will begin at 2:00 p.m.

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