Oct. 9, 2016

Final Score: Loyola 1, Evansville 0
Records: Loyola (4-7-2, 2-0-0 MVC); Evansville (3-10-1, 2-1-0 MVC)
Location: Loyola Soccer Park -- Chicago, Ill.
Goalkeepers of Record: W: Maddie Ford (4-3-2); L: Whitney Biggs (3-10-1)
Stats: Box Score | Season Stats
Photo Gallery

In Short...
Freshman Sienna Cruz found the back of the net in the 78th minute as the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team defeated Evansville, 1-0, this evening at Loyola Soccer Park. With the win, Loyola's third in as many games, the Ramblers move to 4-7-2 overall (2-0-0 MVC), while the Purple Aces slip to 3-10-1 (2-1-0 MVC).

Coach Bimbi's Thoughts...
"Going into the game, the girls had a good belief in the game plan. It was a battle of different styles with a give and take on both sides. I thought the first half was pretty wide open because we were doing what we wanted to do and they were doing what they wanted to do. It took us a little while to find our footing in the second half but the girls really stepped up. For the goal, Katie put a great ball in for Sienna who made the run to finish it off."

How It Happened
Both sides struggled early on for chances on a cool fall evening in Rogers Park. Junior goalkeeper Maddie Ford was called into action in the 13th minute when she made a leaping save on Bronwyn Boswell's attempt. Sophomore Jenna Szczesny came painfully close to putting the Maroon & Gold in front in the 19th minute as she sprung free on a breakaway, only to push her attempt wide of the far post.

Ford continued her strong work between the pipes as the half wore on, making back-to-back saves in short order on Mikayla Harvey and Jbess Ruby, respectively. Szczesny was in the mix again in the 36th minute when she unleashed a blast that was blocked away following a Rambler corner kick. As was the case in both of last season's meetings, the two teams headed to the locker room knotted up at 0-0.

Evansville came out firing to begin the second stanza. Boswell forced a save out of Ford just over a minute in before Colleen Dierkes had her attempt turned away by the Rambler netminder. Junior Emily Lange nearly put Loyola on top just before the hour mark when her blast from the edge of the 18-yard box soared just over the crossbar.

With time winding down in regulation, junior Katie Grall and Cruz connected for the Ramblers' magic moment. Szczesny sent a ball down the left side for Grall that the Waukesha, Wis. native corralled and sent into the box. Her cross connected with Cruz, who slotted home from 10 yards out to give the Maroon & Gold a 1-0 lead with just under 13 minutes to play. That would prove to be the final attempt on target for either team as Loyola claimed all three points in the league table.

Looking At The Numbers
- With her game-winning tally, Cruz became the 11th different Rambler to score this season.
- Loyola's defensive efforts on the night were led by Ford in goal. The Bloomfield Hills, Mich. product collected seven saves in goal en route to helping the Ramblers to a third consecutive shutout.
- Loyola's victory sees it move to 2-0-0 in league play for the first time since joining the Valley and currently puts the Ramblers atop the league table.

Up Next
Loyola looks to continue its perfect start to Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday evening when it hosts Illinois State. Kickoff from Loyola Soccer Park is set for 7 p.m.