Ramblers Battle Raiders For Horizon League Title - Loyola University Chicago Official Athletic Site

Nov. 13, 2011

CHICAGO - Despite entering the Horizon League Tournament as the No. 6 seed, the Loyola men's soccer team has worked its way past two powerhouse opponents, including top-seeded Valparaiso, to reach the title match for the first time since 2008. That year, the Ramblers defeated Cleveland State, 1-0 to claim the championship.

Loyola will get a second shot at Wright State to whom the team lost earlier this season in Cleveland, Ohio. The Raiders claimed a 3-1 win after a standout performance from Will McAteer, who scored two goals to aid in the win. However, it won't be the same Loyola team showing up to the pitch. After a shaky start to the season, the Ramblers are flying with some huge momentum on a four-game win streak against conference opponents.

It has been a Cinderella story for both teams as Loyola was tabbed for a seventh-place conference end in the preseason poll while Wright State was picked to finished last.

The Maroon and Gold will kick off against the Raiders later today to determine which team will be named the Horizon League Tournament Champion and receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The clash of the underdogs will begin at 1:00 p.m. CST and will be webcast at www.horizonleague.com.