Oct. 24, 2012

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CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago women's soccer played a hard-fought match on Wednesday, falling 1-0 to Green Bay after giving up a goal with only four minutes remaining in regulation. The Ramblers concluded their regular season earning a 7-8-3 record and posting seven shutouts.

"Tonight reiterated the common theme of this season," said head coach Barry Bimbi. "We played good soccer and created a ton of chances, but we had zero bite in the offensive third. Green Bay scored a great goal in the last few minutes and unfortunately that was the deciding factor in the match."

The Ramblers opened the match controlling possession during much of the first half and taking an 8-0 shot advantage. Senior Jessie Hubly created the first opportunity for Loyola in the ninth minute, making a drive into Phoenix territory and sending a low effort to the left post where Green Bay goalkeeper Nastacia Behle made the save.

Just over 20 minutes into play, sophomore Valerie Gonyo placed a header in the box, sending the ball wide of the goal. Senior Ana Claudia Michelini immediately followed with a hard shot shy of the post, fueling the Ramblers' offense.

Sophomore Moriah Schwarz continued to threaten the Phoenix backline, taking back-to-back shots before the intermission. Schwarz' last effort was saved by Behle, sending the teams scoreless into the break.

"Throughout the first half we had multiple chances," said Coach Bimbi. "Heading into the second half, we experienced the same thing. We missed some great balls and it came back to haunt us."

Green Bay regained composure after the break, challenging Loyola for control as the teams split possession late in the game. Hubly found several opportunities on the counter-attack, taking possession and serving the ball into the center for the Ramblers.

In the 68th minute, Hubly dribbled into Phoenix territory, sending a cross to sophomore Monika Lee who made a quick pass to junior Tricia Stonebraker. Stonebraker returned the ball to Lee who had the best opportunity of the night for the Ramblers, shooting five yards out, but sending the ball wide of the net.

It was the Phoenix who took the lead in the 86th minute as Megan Braatz scored her fifth goal of the season, powering the ball into the top right corner of the net. The goal was enough to seal the 1-0 win for Green Bay.

Loyola ends its regular season 2-3-2 in conference play. The Ramblers are fifth in the standings and look to earn a bid in the Horizon League Championship with first round play beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 30. Final conference standings will be released on Saturday, Oct. 27 after Valparaiso and Green Bay play at 1 p.m.