Oct. 5, 2011

Box Score

CHICAGO - Despite three saves from Mitch Hildebrandt, the Oakland men's soccer team (2-8-1) lost, 1-0, to Loyola (2-7-1) on Wednesday at Rogers Park. The Golden Grizzlies outshot the Ramblers 10-8, but were shutout for a second consecutive match.

"It was a tale of two halves," said Oakland head coach Eric Pogue. "We played with no energy, desire or fight in the first half and gave up a soft goal. Down 1-0, I got after the team at the half and we came out a completely different team and totally dominated the game in every facet, except finishing our chances on goal."

The Golden Grizzlies peppered shots in search of an equalizer and outshot the Ramblers 7-1 in the second half. However, OU was unable to beat Loyola goalkeeper Peter McKeown who posted six saves to earn the shutout.

In the 74th minute Jon Evans and Jake Przybycien produced Oakland's best chance for a goal with back-to-back shots. Evans had the first crack at goal, which was saved by McKeown, as was Przybycien's follow-up effort.

Loyola outshot Oakland 7-3 in the first half and the pressure eventually paid off when Brian Bement scored the match-winning goal on an assist from Andrew Raymonds. After taking the cross from Raymonds, Bement spun and fired in from 12 yards out.

Andrew Barrett led Oakland with three shots, including two on goal. Miche'le Lipari also had two shots for the Golden Grizzlies, including a near miss on a breakaway in the closing minutes.

"No excuses, it has to be better and it will be better," concluded Pogue. "Now we've got one week to prepare for a big week with Michigan and IPFW at home."

The Golden Grizzlies return to action next Wednesday with a home match against Michigan at the OU Soccer Field at 7 p.m.

-OAKLAND-