Oct. 22, 2010

Box Score

CHICAGO- Battling injuries all season, senior Ani Michl fought through the pain and came through when Loyola needed her most, as the senior scored the game-winning goal against Evansville on Friday evening to lead the Ramblers past the Purple Aces, 2-1.

The win, Loyola's third come from behind victory this fall, halts a two-game losing streak, moving the squad to 7-11-1 on the season.

This afternoon's game was also the final regular season match of the year, before the Horizon League Tournament begins in two weeks. Although the Ramblers ended with a win over a non-conference opponent, the victory provides a momentum swing at the right time.

Picking up the much needed win wasn't easy for the Maroon and Gold, as the team played from behind early on.

Evansville moved ahead in the 7th minute, when Breanna Beine scored after racing 40 yards downfield with the ball and fired a shot to give the home team a 1-0 advantage.

The lead wouldn't last long, however, thanks to Jessie Hubly, who netted her second goal of the season in the 17th minute. Hubly received the ball 10 yards out, then fired a bullet to the back of the Purple Ace net, evening up the contest at 1-1.

Eight minutes into the second half, Michl gave Loyola the lead for good, when the senior stormed down the middle of the field and floated a 10-yard shot over Evansville goalkeeper Chaviel Harrison.

The Rambler defense, led by Katie Groesch, who made four saves in the contest, held their ground and provided Loyola a fine defensive effort to seal the win.

The Purple Aces and Ramblers each recorded 14 shots each in the contest. Loyola picked up fine efforts from Hubly and Michl, as each picked up a goal. Hubly fired three total shots, while Michl attempted two on Friday.

With the regular season now over and a conference tournament bid already secured, the Ramblers will sit back and watch conference matches unfold this weekend. Loyola will know its first round tournament opponent late Sunday afternoon.