Tonight, on January 7th, varsity soccer played its first Mission League game of the year against Crespi, tying 1-1.

The first half saw no goals but multiple attempts to score from both teams. Loyola began the first half strong, playing offensively, having the most possession, and making quick passes. Both goalies made impressive saves. 25 minutes into the first half, Crespi’s goalie ran towards the forward dribbling the ball and caught the ball before he could shoot. Subsequently, Crespi made its first attempt to score but missed by kicking too high. Both teams failed to score when they had clear openings. In the last minutes of the first half, Junior Michael Maloney, attempting to score, slid and injured Crespi’s goalie. Loyola lost its upper hand towards the end of the first half when Crespi began amping up its pressure.

The second half saw a goal first from Loyola and then Crespi. Loyola’s only goal was made by Senior Harry Walker, who made a flat cross kick into the right end of the goal. Crespi continued to increase its pressure and, to Loyola’s dismay, scored a goal with 10 minutes remaining. Crespi made a corner kick and then made the goal while Loyola was trying to get the ball out of the goal box. Loyola made two attempts to score right after the game tied. Even though Loyola began playing more aggressively in the last few minutes, the team was unable to break the tie.

Junior Michael Maloney said, “The first half we really weren’t connecting nearly as many passes as we should have and we were not finding the open man. In the second half we were finding the open man, getting into more spaces and making better decisions but in the end got really unlucky.”

Senior Matt Stauber said,  “It was unfortunate how we ended up tying, but I think we fought hard and hopefully we'll start getting wins and get on a streak. The next game against Notre Dame will be another tough game because they’re a good team and it's an away game, but I think we can win if we just play quickly and as a team.”