Sept. 13, 2013
Final Stats
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Freshman Alex Gage's first career goal secured the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team a well-deserved, 1-1 draw in double overtime this evening against the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Cougars. Tonight's result snaps a three-game losing skid for the Ramblers and ends SIUE's four-game unbeaten run.
"The staff and I are very proud of the girls for fighting back on the road against a quality side like SIUE to get a positive result," said Loyola head coach Barry Bimbi. "Congratulations go out to Alex on scoring on her fist collegiate goal. We'll now take this positive result and build on it Sunday against Eastern Illinois."
The first scoring opportunity of the game fell to the Ramblers. Senior Maggie Olsen had an opportunity present itself from inside the box but SIUE goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley reacted just quickly enough to clear the attempt away. Loyola continued to threaten as junior Valerie Gonyo drilled a free kick from outside the 18-yard box off the cross bar. The ball fell back into the box but was cleared by the Cougar defense amidst the chaos.
Cassidy Sherman opened the scoring in the 38th minute, heading a ball past junior goalkeeper Monica Gonyo from twelve yards out following a cross into the box. That goal held up heading into the break as the teams were even in shots at four apiece following the opening 45 minutes.
Kayla Delgado, the Cougars leading scorer, threatened just after the resumption of play when she fired over Gonyo's net. The Ramblers continued to defend steadfastly with the hope that they could find an equalizer. They would have to wait until the 67th minute when Gage scored at the far post. Valerie Gonyo was credited with the assist on the play after playing the ball over the top so the St. Charles, Ill. native could finish the job.
The game headed into overtime with the momentum starting to go in favor of the Maroon & Gold. A pair of corners from freshman Shelby Koch provided the Ramblers with the opportunity to net a golden goal but neither chance materialized. Monica Gonyo was forced to make three saves in the second and final session of overtime, including a point blank save on an attempt by Chelsea Smith in the final two minutes, to preserve the draw for Loyola.
The Ramblers will now turn their attention to a meeting with the Eastern Illinois Panthers on Sunday morning in Charleston, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at Lakeside Field.
