Sept. 12, 2007

Box Score

Despite out shooting Eastern Illinois (4-0-1) 14-7, the Loyola men's soccer team (2-2-1) did not take advantage of its scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a 2-2 draw Wednesday evening at Loyola Soccer Park. The tie is the first for both teams this season.

The Panthers scored early on a shot from senior Mick Galeski from 12 yards out, his second of the season. Galeski had the only goal in the first half of action for either team, giving Eastern Illinois a 1-0 lead going into halftime.

In the second period, Loyola's leading scorer, sophomore Michael Ferguson, notched his fifth goal of the season as the ball deflected off of the EIU keeper Mark Hansen. Ferguson's goal evened the score at one, bringing plenty of intensity to both the Rambler offense and defense.

Eastern Illinois struck once more at the 79-minute mark, when freshman Alex Harrison blasted a corner kick into the net for a 2-1 Panther lead. Sixty seconds later, the Ramblers answered back when sophomore midfielder Alex Jones notched his first goal of 2007 from three yards out off of a free kick from the defensive side to knot the score once again.

The Ramblers had a chance to win the match on a penalty kick with five minutes left in regulation, but could not capitalize. Sophomore midfielder Eric Gehrig, who had converted his only penalty kick this season, could not find the net, as Hansen recorded the save, pushing the game into overtime.

Neither team was able to get a goal across during the overtime periods. In the first overtime frame, Eastern Illinois attempted two shots, while Loyola tallied one. In the second overtime period Loyola out shot the Panthers 1-0, but could not score.

Loyola returns to action on Sunday, September 16 when it takes on Horizon League foe Valparaiso at TOYOTA Park at 3:30 p.m.