Oct. 6, 2006
Contact: Brian McCann
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland State fell behind by two goals in the first half and Loyola added a third after the break in a 3-0 loss on a cold Friday (Oct. 6) night at Krenzler Field. The loss drops the Vikings to 2-12 and 0-3 in Horizon League play, while Loyola moves to 8-4-2 and 3-0-1.
Loyola scored what would turn out to be the game-winner at the 17:38 mark when Heather Lau found the back of the net unassisted from 20 yards out.
The next two goals would come on the tail end of set plays, as Amy Lomas gave the Ramblers a 2-0 lead in the 41st minute with a header off a Lindsay Faron free kick. The tally was Lomas' third of the season. Ashley Morawski scored with a header off a free kick from Cynthia Morote-Ariza in the 68th minute to put the match away.
Despite the loss, CSU head coach Derrek Falor was pleased with the Vikings' performance.
"This may sound hard to believe, but that's about as good we have played all year," Falor said. "I thought the defense did a nice job keeping its shape and preventing some of Loyola's scoring chances. We just need to work on stopping set plays.
"Loyola is just a very good team. They are big, strong and quick and will be very tough to beat in the tournament."
Loyola controlled play throughout most of the night. Loyola enjoyed a 22-7 shot advantage and also a 7-1 edge in corner kicks.
Morote-Ariza had a team-high five shots and the assist while Jackie Vera had four shots and Lau had three to lead the Ramblers' offense.
Sophomore Lisa Conway led the Vikings offense with four shots and junior Heather Clapacs had two.
Sophomore goalie Erin Withrow was busy all night, posting six saves, including several fully-extended diving efforts, while playing all 90 minutes in goal. Loyola's Emily Peick got the shutout, her fifth of the season, while stopping five Vikings shots.
"I was really pleased with our team effort tonight. We did a nice job of staying close and competing," Falor said. "We made a few mistakes, but there are definitely a lot of good things we can take away from this loss."
The Vikings' next match, the third of their current four-match homestand, is Sunday (Oct. 8) at noon against UW-Milwaukee.
