Oct. 10, 2008

Final Stats

CHICAGO - Junior Cynthia Morote-Ariza's goal in the 71st minute was good enough to send Loyola to a 1-0 win over SIU-Edwardsville tonight at Loyola Soccer Park. The Ramblers (9-7) equal a school record with their sixth consecutive win while SIUE drops to 5-5 with the loss.

"This was a good match for us and we had to be very patient against a good defensive team," said head coach Frank Mateus. "We had stressed being able to create dangerous chances and, finally in the second half, we were able to generate those chances a little more consistently."

Neither team was sharp in their offensive-third of the field in a scoreless opening half. SIUE enjoyed a 5-3 edge in shots in the period but none of the shots were particularly worrisome for Loyola keeper Katie Groesch. Meanwhile, the Ramblers held the advantage in possession but struggled to finish off their combinations with attempts at goal.

Loyola picked up the pace in the second half and both Alexia Murray and Morote-Ariza shot over the bar as the Ramblers looked increasingly confident. Morote-Ariza would give the LU its breakthrough just past the midway mark, as a Lauren Ostarello ball to the wing was deflected by the defense to Morote-Ariza who sprinted past the Cougars backline and beat the keeper for her ninth goal of the year. In addition, the marker extended her point-scoring streak to seven matches, the longest of her career.

With one goal on the board, Loyola looked for an insurance goal and nearly got it less than two minutes later. Morote-Ariza squared the ball to Casey Berrier who set up Selina Hunt inside the box but keeper Claire Lovercheck came up with a diving save to keep it a one-goal game. Hunt had another quality chance later but saw Lovercheck handle her drive from distance.

While the offense has received its share of credit during LU's six-match streak, the defense put forth another solid effort tonight. The Ramblers have outscored their opponents 13-2 during the streak with both goals allowed coming via penalty kicks.

Loyola jumps right back into Horizon League play on Sunday with a key road match at Butler. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.