James Howe led the Ramblers on offense with four shots in their final contest of 2011
 
James Howe led the Ramblers on offense with four shots in their final contest of 2011
 
 
Loyola Falls To Bradley, 2-1, To End Miracle NCAA Run

Ramblers combine for 14 shots and 10 saves in 2011 season finale

Nov. 18, 2011

Box Score

PEORIA, Ill. - Despite being the first to score in the crucial rematch against Bradley, the Loyola men's soccer team fell 2-1 after a late surge to end its underdog run into the NCAA Tournament.

The Ramblers were fired up as they took to the pitch for the first round match-up. James Howe and Eric Nock started with a spark on offense, taking two shots in the first three minutes, but the real show was Loyola's defense. The team defended as 11 players, holding the Braves shotless for the first 20 minutes and scoreless in the first half.

In the 31st minute, Andrew Raymonds found the back of the net immediately after being subbed into the game. Howe set up the play with a thrown-in on the right side, sending a long ball to Kyle Spoo, who flicked it into the center for Raymonds to connect with a header.

After going over 500 minutes without giving up a goal, Loyola forfeited the equalizer at the 50:59 minute mark when Jochen Graf tallied a header off of a cross from the right flank.

The ball was worked back and forth for the remainder of the half with both teams putting up strong shots and saves in search of the game-winner to advance. Bradley's Keegan Balle notched the golden goal when an unfortunate touch off of a save left the net open.

After finding only six shots in the first half, the Braves added 14 in the second to take the 20-14 advantage over the Ramblers. Bradley also edged out Loyola 10-0 in corner kicks. James Howe led the way for the Maroon and Gold with four shots, two on goal on the night. Raymonds added two shots on goal while five Ramblers rounded out the total with one attempt each. Peter McKeown collected nine saves in the final match of his senior season as a Rambler. After tonight's performance, McKeown finished with 80 saves on the season to combine for a career total of 166 and climb to fifth place among Loyola's leaderboard.

Loyola closes out its season with a 7-12-2 record and a total of eight shutouts. The Ramblers capped off the season with a five-game win streak to sail into the postseason, winning the 2011 Horizon League Championship and earning their third NCAA Tournament berth in three years.