Men’s Soccer: UVU takes first loss of season to Loyola Chicago
Reading Time: < 1 minuteDEKALB, Ill.– The Utah Valley University men’s soccer team kicked off the NIU Adidas Invitational Friday with their first loss of the season, a 2-0 setback to Loyola Chicago (4-0-0).
The Wolverines got a taste of a Rambler defense that is proving to be one of the best in the nation. LU came into the match after back-to-back shutouts and having only allowed one shot on goal in their previous two matches combined. UVU was able to get off 10 shots, but only two of them were on target. Both shots on goal were saved by LU goalkeeper Andrew Chekadanov.
The match was physical and hard fought from the first kick and continued that way through the final whistle. Both teams were called for 15 fouls and a total of six yellow cards were doled out, including five to separate UVU players. The only penalty kick of the game was given in the 46th minute to LU’s Ryan Howe but Elliot Rubio was able to make the save.
The Ramblers scored their first goal in the 20th minute when Grant Stoneman got the ball off of a turnover and was able to get a shot past Rubio. The final goal of the match came in the 68th minute off the foot of Connor Stevenson. UVU put the pressure on the Ramblers with several shots in the closing minutes, but were unable to find the back of the net.
The loss knocks UVU down to 3-1-0 on the season. The Wolverines will try to get back on track Sep. 11 when they wrap up the invitational against Northern Illinois University. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 pm.
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