Oct. 19, 2006
Box Score
CHICAGO - Freshman Cynthia Morote-Ariza scored in the 82nd minute to tie Loyola's single-season record for points as Loyola earned a 1-1 draw with Northwestern this evening at Loyola Soccer Park. The Ramblers move to 10-5-3 on the year while Northwestern slides to 8-7-2.
"I have to give a lot of credit to Northwestern, they were very athletic and I thought they took us out of our game a little bit," said head coach Frank Mateus. "However, I am proud of how we were able to overcome that and still get at least a tie out of it. We created a couple of chances early on and it would have changed the style of the game had we been able to convert."
Loyola enjoyed some quality possession early on and Morote-Ariza had a great chance to open the scoring after just three minutes when Jackie Vera played her in down the middle. However, Wildcat keeper Lauren Johnston managed to get a hand on her effort and send it wide for a corner. Despite the pressure, it was Northwestern that got on the board first as Kelsey Hans headed home a cross in the 31st minute that gave NU a 1-0 lead that it would take into intermission.
Loyola's search for an equalizer went lacking until Morote-Ariza created another chance late, turning just outside the 18-yard box before unleashing a shot that hit the upper-90 with less than eight minutes to play in regulation. The Ramblers remained dangerous in the overtime periods and had consecutive corner kicks in the final 10 minutes but neither team was able to break through.
The goal was Morote-Ariza's eighth marker of the season and moved her point total for the season to 22, tying Melissa Eckerle's single-season mark set in 1996.
"You cannot argue with either of the goals tonight, both were beautiful plays," said Mateus. "I think a true goal-scorer is still one thing that we are lacking as we come down the stretch but we have plenty of creators and we just need to work on finishing more consistently."
The Ramblers wrap up the home portion of their 2006 regular season schedule on Sunday (Oct. 22) when they battle IUPUI at Loyola Soccer Park. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. and seniors Mary Dale, Lindsay Faron and Emily Peick will be honored in a pregame ceremony.
