CHICAGO
- Loyola Chicago opened the 2026 season in winning fashion Wednesday night, earning a 1-0 shutout victory over Central Michigan at Loyola Soccer Park.
The Ramblers wasted little time finding the back of the net, with junior midfielder
Maggie Schmidt scoring in the eighth minute to give Loyola an early lead. Schmidt's unassisted strike at the 7:25 mark proved to be the game-winner, as the Ramblers' defense held Central Michigan scoreless for the remainder of the match.
"I think it's always great to get that first one off our backs," said Loyola Head Coach
Jon Sandoval. "Getting our first win at home and taking a step forward was important. We didn't need to have everything figured out tonight, but I thought a lot of players stepped up in big moments. We'll learn from the final minutes and continue to improve, piece by piece."
How It Happened
Loyola came out on the front foot, recording its first shot just two minutes into the contest before Schmidt broke through in the eighth minute. The Ramblers held a 5-3 advantage in shots during the opening half and put three of their five attempts on target.
Central Michigan looked to respond late in the opening half, but goalkeeper
Allison Deardorff made a key save on Ella Betzold's attempt in the 41st minute to preserve Loyola's 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
The Chippewas increased the pressure after halftime, matching Loyola with five shots in the second half. Deardorff and the Rambler defense answered the challenge, with Deardorff making two more saves in the final 45 minutes to secure the shutout.
Loyola continued to generate opportunities of its own in the second half, putting five more shots toward the Central Michigan goal.
Ansley Cryan and
Mary Fornelli each forced saves from Chippewas goalkeeper Jadia Kershaw, while the Ramblers maintained their one-goal advantage through the final whistle.
Game Notes
- Loyola improved to 1-0-0 on the season with the victory, while Central Michigan fell to 0-1-0.
- Schmidt scored the first goal of the season for the Ramblers and recorded her first tally of the campaign.
- Deardorff earned the win after making three saves in 90 minutes, recording her first shutout of the season.
- Loyola held a 10-8 advantage in total shots and a 5-3 edge in shots on goal.
- The Ramblers also held 54% of the possession.
- Loyola finished with five different players recording shots on goal: Schmidt, Josslyn Weissman, Jadyn Harris, Cryan and Fornelli.
- The Ramblers committed just five fouls compared to 11 for Central Michigan.
Up Next
The Ramblers hit the road Saturday, Aug. 15, traveling to Iowa for a 7 p.m. matchup against the Hawkeyes. The contest will mark Loyola's first road test of the 2026 season.
Â
