Sept. 15, 2013
Final Stats
CHARLESTON, Ill. - Sammy Gage scored a pair of goals in a six-minute span during the first half as the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team defeated Eastern Illinois by a score of 3-0 this morning in Charleston, Ill.
"We've been talking to the girls about being energizing to your teammates and that's exactly what we got today," said Loyola head women's soccer coach Barry Bimbi. "Sammy (Gage) and Kara (Ruffolo) added immediate sparks when they stepped onto the field. It was also very nice to go into halftime with a 3-0 lead as it allowed for us to get a lot of our girls on the field today."
The Panthers would register the game's first shot on goal when Meagan Radloff's attempt was saved by junior goalkeeper Monica Gonyo. Sophomore Jessica Bean, fresh off her first collegiate goal against Wisconsin earlier in the week, tested Panther goalkeeper Cortney Jerzy in the 18th minute but also saw her shot turned away.
Gage entered the game in the 21st minute and wasted no time in making sure her presence was felt. After seeing her sister, Alex Gage, score during Friday's 1-1 draw in double overtime at SIUE, the St. Charles, Ill. native headed home a corner from freshman Shelby Koch to give Loyola a 1-0 lead seconds after entering the game.
Just six minutes later, Gage was at it again. The junior slammed home a cross that was delivered by senior Tricia Stonebraker from three yards out to double the Rambler advantage in the 27th minute. Today marked the first multi-goal game for Gage during her time in Rogers Park.
Loyola continued to press for a third goal as the half wore on. Sophomore Kara Ruffolo beat the Eastern Illinois keeper to a ball following a through ball from fellow sophomore Brielle Haupt and slotted it home from five yards out. The Ramblers outshot the Panthers, 6-2, during the first half and went into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Entering the second half with a lead and determined to keep a clean sheet, Loyola ramped up its defense. Gonyo was forced to make four saves in the second half with the first coming in the 58th minute when Hannah Miller tested the New Berlin, Wis. product. The Rambler defense would go on to hold strong as Gonyo picked up the fifteenth shutout of her career.
Loyola will return back to the friendly confines of Loyola Soccer Park on Friday evening when in-state rival Northern Illinois makes the trip to Rogers Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
