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Loyola University Chicago Athletics

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Jenna Szczesny Action
1
Valparaiso VALPO (9-10-0 (3-4-0 MVC))
2
Winner Loyola Chicago LOY (13-6-0 (4-3-0 MVC))
Valparaiso VALPO
(9-10-0 (3-4-0 MVC))
1
Final
2
Loyola Chicago LOY
(13-6-0 (4-3-0 MVC))
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Valparaiso VALPO 1 0 1
Loyola Chicago LOY 1 1 2

Game Recap: Women's Soccer |

Szczesny Sends Loyola Past Valparaiso, Into MVC Semifinals, 2-1

Junior nets two goals as Ramblers advance on in conference tournament

Box Score (PDF)

In Short…
Led by a two-goal performance from junior Jenna Szczesny, the third-seeded Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team defeated sixth-seeded Valparaiso by a final count of 2-1 this afternoon in the opening round of the 2017 Missouri Valley Conference Women's Soccer Championship.  Today's result from Loyola Soccer Park sees the Ramblers move to 13-6-0 (4-3-0 MVC), while the Crusaders end the year at 9-10-0 (3-4-0 MVC).
 
How It Happened
Both sides struggled to settle into a rhythm early on a cool day in Rogers Park.  Senior goalkeeper Maddie Ford notched her first save of the afternoon in the 12th minute when she stepped up to collect Cory Griffith's attempt.  Ford was called into action again just over 10 minutes later as she parried away a headed effort through traffic by Sydney Gountounas.
 
The trio of Szczesny, senior Avalon Senn-Raemont and freshman Jenna Ross helped put Loyola on the board first in the 34th minute.  Senn-Raemont connected with Ross, who raced to the edge of the 18-yard box before sending a ball towards the near post that was flicked home by Szczesny to make it 1-0.  Valparaiso provided a response less than three minutes after, with Griffith heading a free kick from Grace Rogers in at the near post from eight yards out to level the score at 1-1 moving into halftime.
 
It took Loyola all of seven minutes to regain the lead at the start of the second half.  Ford unleashed a booming punt that was deflected back by a Crusader defender.  Szczesny raced down the bouncing ball and slotted her shot from 15 yards in at the far post to put the Ramblers back in front, 2-1. 
 
Valparaiso would be presented with a prime chance to once again battle back in the 71st minute.  Following a foul in the box that would see sophomore Sienna Cruz assessed her second yellow card of the game, Kelsey Jahn put her attempt from the penalty spot wide left.  Ford would come up with three more saves before the final whistle as Loyola held on for a 2-1 win.
 
Looking At The Numbers
- Today's victory marked Loyola's first postseason triumph at Loyola Soccer Park since the 2009 season.
- Szczesny's two-goal effort this afternoon brings her season total to 14. The Hoffman Estates, Ill. native currently leads the Valley in goals and overall points (33).
- Ross picked up her eighth assist of the year on Szczesny's opening goal to move into a tie for the team and MVC lead in the category with junior Taylor Lambouris.
- Ford finished the day with five saves in goal en route to her 12th win of the season.
 
Up Next
Loyola will now turn its attention to a matchup with second-seeded Missouri State, the tournament host, in Friday's second semifinal at 6 p.m. from Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium in Springfield, Mo.
 
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