Sept. 19, 2010

Box Score

CHICAGO- The Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team looked to pick up a key win on Sunday afternoon against cross-town rival DePaul. Although Loyola had scoring opportunities late in the contest, the Blue Demon defense held its ground, while the offense netted two important goals, cruising to a 2-0 victory over the Ramblers at Wish Field in Chicago.

Loyola heads into Horizon League competition with a 2-8 record in 2010. The Blue Demons improve to 5-3-2 this season.

DePaul wasted no time reaching the scoreboard in this match, as the home team found itself attacking the Rambler goal early on in the contest.

At the 10 minute mark, Blue Demon Casey Mercurio made the score 1-0 after heading in a corner kick ball to the left side of the net. Tara Strickland picked up the assist on the play.

Down a score, Loyola picked up the pace and matched DePaul's intensity, earning free balls at midfield and fight for possessions around the Blue Demon goal.

Midway through the first-half, Jessie Hubly nearly evened up with the contest by taking a 10-yard shot from the left side of the field. Although well-struck, the attempt missed wide left.

DePaul held a 1-0 lead at intermission.

Loyola's best chance to get back into the ball game came in 65th minute, when Tricia Stonebraker fired a shot from straight-on, 15 yards out that just missed high of goal. The opportunity would be the visitors last open look in the contest.

Meanwhile, DePaul looked improve on its lead, and in the 86th minute, they did.

Natasa Radosavljevic sealed the Blue Demon victory after making a one-on-one move from the right side of the field, then firing a dagger to the far post over Loyola goalkeeper Colleen Dougherty.

With the game in hand, DePaul came away with the victory, 2-1.

Kristin Papierski led the Rambler frontline with three shots, two on goal. Maggie Doe matched with two shots on goal. Starting in goal for the first time this season, Dougherty put on a good performance, making a season-high six saves against the Blue Demons.

Loyola managed nine shots to DePaul's 17 in the contest. The Ramblers return to action against Horizon League member Wright State at the Loyola Soccer Park on Friday, September 24 at 5:00 p.m.