CHICAGO, ILL. - The Golden Grizzlies started their season with a closely contested game with the Ramblers, with two first half goals being not enough as they fell 3-2 on the road.

Oakland opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Marco Mazzei found the back of the net for his first career goal, assisted by Andriy Bilous and Jace Foster. The Ramblers responded quickly with a goal by Antonio Pinto in the 19th minute.followed by another Loyola goal in the 23rd minute as they took a 2-1 lead.

Just seconds later though, Tim Allos converted a penalty kick for Oakland, leveling the score at 2-2 and scoring his first goal in the black and gold. Both teams remained tied as the first half concluded, with Aiden Smith making a key save for Oakland in the 44th minute.

Loyola's offense was active early in the half, with Hugo Urdiales and Petar Janjic each attempting shots that missed the target, before Janjic successfully scored in the 61st minute, giving Loyola a 3-2 lead.

Despite Oakland's efforts to equalize, including shots from Christopher Jean Léger and Bilous, Loyola's defense held firm, helping them secure the 3-2 win.

Mazzei led the Oakland team with one goal on his single shot, which was on target. Allos contributed another goal, making one of his two shots count, including a penalty shot. Foster added an assist to his stats, helping the team with playmaking. Bilous also provided an assist while taking three shots, one of which was on goal. In goal, Smith played all 90 minutes, recording three saves out of 13 shots faced.

The next challenge for Oakland arrives on Sunday, August 24, as they stay in Chicago to face DePaul University. The match is set for a 1:30 p.m. ET kickoff.