Sept. 27, 2009

Stats

CHICAGO - Junior Nikki Staton scored in the 70th minute to propel the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team past Valparaiso, 1-0, at Loyola Soccer Park on Sunday (Sept. 27). The Ramblers move to 2-9-1 (1-2-1 in Horizon League play) with the win, while the Crusaders fall to 4-7-0 (1-2-0).

"It feels good to get the win," said Loyola head coach Frank Mateus. "I thought we actually played better in the first half than we did in the second, even though that's when we scored. We really needed that win."

Junior Lauren Papierski set up Staton's marker, firing a shot at Valpo goalkeeper Mele Cabral from the far right side of the box. The shot deflected off of Cabral's hands, bouncing out to Staton five yards out. Staton then sent the rebound to the back of the net for the score.

The Ramblers had another quality chance early on in the contest when junior Laura Trevillian blasted a shot at Cabral inside of the box, which was denied by the Valpo keeper, but deflected out to senior Jackie Vera near midfield. Vera lofted a shot to the left side of the net, but Cabral dove to make the save.

Loyola goalkeeper Katie Groesch earned her third shutout of the season, making two saves in the win.

The Ramblers head to Ohio next weekend to take on Youngstown State on Friday (Oct. 2) at 6 p.m. CT and Cleveland State on Sunday (Oct. 4) at noon.