CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (September 11, 2022)
In Short…
Megan Nemec found the back of the net in the second minute to help the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team to its second road result against a Big Ten Conference opponent this season, as the Ramblers battled Illinois (5-2-1) to a 1-1 stalemate this afternoon. Today's result from Demirjian Park in Champaign, Ill. sees the Maroon & Gold extend their unbeaten run to three games and close non-conference play at 4-2-2 overall.
Head Coach Barry Bimbi's Thoughts…
"We couldn't ask for a better start than we got, with Megan scoring the early goal. Coming out of halftime, I thought we were great for the first 20 minutes and had them on their heels, but, after that, Illinois turned up their intensity and we didn't do a great job in critical moments to secure a victory. After coming out of the non-conference portion of our schedule at 4-2-2 and having a better understanding of our group, I'd say I'm pleased of where we are at."
How It Happened
Nemec gave the Ramblers a dream start just 98 seconds in on what started and ended as a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon in Central Illinois. After intercepting a pass near midfield,
Madeleine Barone sent a ball forward that was chased down by Nemec, who squeezed her tight-angle shot under the crossbar to vault Loyola in front, 1-0.
Illinois wasted no time in looking to provide an immediate response, firing six shots, none of which came on target, over the next seven minutes. Barone had designs on adding a goal of her own in the 10
th minute, drilling a left-footed effort that forced a diving save out of Illinois goalkeeper Julia Cili. Nemec made a bid for a brace 15 minutes later, but Cili was up to the task in goal to keep the hosts' deficit at one.
Loyola goalkeeper
Naya Lipkens added a pair of saves in the waning minutes of the first half as the Ramblers carried a 1-0 edge into halftime.
Lipkens was called back into action 10 minutes into the second stanza, as she leaped to collect Sarah Foley's attempt at an equalizer. The Ramblers nearly provided fireworks at the other end shortly after, with
Abby Swanson heading high of goal off a free kick. Lipkens came up big again in the 59
th minute, reacting fast to secure a blast from Julia Eichenbaum.
With just under 20 remaining, the Fighting Illini broke Loyola's resistance as Maeve Jones sent her shot from the top of the box past an outstretched Lipkens to tie the score at 1-1.
Jordan Pascarella posted the final shot on target of the afternoon for either team in the 74
th minute when, following some fancy footwork in the box, she forced a stop out of Cili at her near post that ultimately saw the two in-state foes settle for a 1-1 draw.
Looking At The Numbers
- Along with being Loyola's first result against the Fighting Illini in program history, today's draw marks the first time the Ramblers have posted results against multiple Big Ten Conference opponents in the same season since 2006.
- Nemec scored her team-best third goal of the season in the day's opening minutes. The tally, the 20
th of her career, moves her into sole-possession of fifth place on the program's all-time leaderboard in goals scored.
- Barone continued the fast start to her junior campaign, delivering her fourth assist, a total which also leads the Rambler roster, on Nemec's goal.
- Both Loyola and Illinois closed the game with five shots on goal.
- Lipkens finished the afternoon with four saves, matching Cili in the category.
Up Next
Loyola plays its first Atlantic 10 Conference game on Sunday, September 18, welcoming La Salle to Loyola Soccer Park for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
