CHICAGO (August 31, 2023) – Loyola Chicago women's soccer rarely gave up control Thursday night dominating the visiting Western Illinois squad. The Ramblers held the Leathernecks without a shot (25-0) and handed them a 1-0 loss on the season with the help of freshman forward Zoe Hevey.
 
With the win, Loyola improves to 2-3-0 overall.
 
"At the end of the day the performance from beginning to end was totally dominant," said head coach Barry Bimbi. "The girls did what they were asked to do. They were attacking the end line, getting crosses, and the runs were good. Some days the ball doesn't go into the net. Luckily Zoe made a play at the end there to get the game winner."
 
How It Happened
The ball rarely left the Ramblers' attacking half Thursday night with the offensive onslaught beginning less than five minutes into the action. Hevey tallied her first strike of the match at the 4:15 mark to pace the 13-shot half.
 
The closest attempts of the first 45 came off the foot of Jadyn Harris in back-to-back shots in the 18^th minute. WIU's goalkeeper misplayed the ball leaving Harris with one Leatherneck defender to challenge. The first shot was saved and Harris fired a second off the rebound, but it went right back at the WIU defender to be saved again.
 
After a scoreless first half, the Ramblers didn't take the foot off the gas and totaled another 12 shots in the final frame. Taylor Harrison nearly took the lead for the Ramblers with a shot inside the box. It went a tad high hitting off the top woodwork bailing WIU out once again.
 
Loyola finally broke through the Leathernecks defense with some quick footwork by Hevey. She dribbled inside with one defender, dropped her going left, and struck on a wide-open look for the Loyola goal in the 82^nd minute.
 
Ramblers win, 1-0.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Hevey's goal is her second of the season. She is tied with Harrison in goals (2) and points (4).
- Loyola led in shots (25-0) and shots on goal (11-0).
- Eight Ramblers tallied at least two shots in the match.
- Hevey led the night with a career-high seven shots. She put three on target.
- This is Loyola's first shutout of the season.
- Naya Lipkens improves to 2-3 in goal after logging 90 minutes between the posts.
 
Up Next
Loyola welcomes Ball State to Loyola Soccer Park Sunday, Sept. 3. Kickoff is 1 p.m.