CHICAGO (March 28, 2021)
 
In Short…
The Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team (6-0-1, 6-0-1 MVC) jumped out to an early three-goal lead and never looked back, cruising to a 5-0 win over Southern Illinois (0-4-3, 0-3-3 MVC) this afternoon at Loyola Soccer Park to clinch its third consecutive Missouri Valley Conference regular season title.
 
Head Coach Barry Bimbi's Thoughts…
"I'm proud of the way the girls came out.  We gave up an early chance, but then responded in really nice fashion.  You're always a little nervous when a championship is on the line, but the girls were sharp today, really had the ball moving, and created a ton of chances."
 
How It Happened
Senior Katharine Stephens nearly put the Ramblers on top just three minutes in, firing her attempt just wide of Southern Illinois goalkeeper Maddy Alaluf's far post.  Maya Warrior came inches away from getting the Salukis in front shortly after, narrowly heading over the bar.
 
The sophomore pairing of Megan Nemec and Amanda Cassidy joined forces to net Loyola's breakthrough in the 12^th minute.  Cassidy sent a cross from the left flank into the center of the 18-yard box that connected with Nemec, who directed home to make it 1-0.  Nemec was back in the mix just 36 seconds later, depositing a centering pass from Stephens past a diving Alaluf to double the lead, 2-0.  Senior Lindsey Hardiman added a third in the 21^st minute, scoring following a scramble inside the box, as Loyola took a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime.  
 
Hardiman picked up her second of the day less than five minutes after the restart.  Nemec evaded a pair of Saluki defenders before leaving a pass off for Hardiman, and the senior did the rest, drilling her right-footed effort from the edge of the box in at the far post, stretching the lead to 4-0. 
 
Cassidy added put an exclamation point on the day at the hour mark.  The sophomore met a feed from Nemec at the near post, squeezing her attempt past Dariana Mihalache, who was substituted in at halftime, to push the margin to 5-0.  Junior Abby Swanson came close to adding a sixth for the Ramblers in the 67^th minute, only to see her headed effort cleared off the line by a Southern Illinois defender.  Added insurance wouldn't be needed on the day though, as the referee's whistle at full time set off a wild celebration.  
 
Looking At The Numbers
- Nemec paced the Loyola attack on the day, finishing with two goals and two assists.  The Tinley Park, Ill. native closed the week with three goals and four assists across the Maroon & Gold's two victories.
- Hardiman joined Nemec with a pair of tallies, turning in her second two-goal effort in as many games to move into the team lead in the category with four goals this season.
- Cassidy, who was credited with an assist on Nemec's opener, netted her second goal of the year in the second half.
- Stephens dished out her first assist of the year on Nemec's second goal, while Glen picked up her third helper of the year on Hardiman's first goal.
- Loyola finished the afternoon with a 20-2 advantage in shots, not allowing the Salukis an attempt during the second half.
 
Up Next
Loyola hosts Evansville on Saturday, April 3 in its regular season finale.