Despite Richards’ Goal, Loyola Claims Season Opener

Thursday, August 26

Chicago, Ill.

3:00 P.M. CT

DePaul University

1-1-0, 0-0-0

Loyola Chicago

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Loyola Chicago

DePaul

Despite Richards’ Goal, Loyola Claims Season Opener

8/26/2021 6:31:00 PM | MEN'S SOCCER

Box Score Photo Gallery

Loyola wins season opener, 2-1

CHICAGO - A second-half strike propelled the Loyola Ramblers past DePaul men's soccer in the season opener on Thursday afternoon at Wish Field. In front of a regular crowd for the first time since the fall of 2019, DePaul was locked in a 1-1 tie at the half after a goal by Jack Richards. However, Blue Demons were held in check in the second half and Loyola secured the one-goal victory.

"It was a tough first match but definitely one that will help us be better moving forward," said head coach Mark Plotkin. "A ton of credit should go to Loyola, they were very organized and difficult to break down. They're a very good team."

After both teams found their footing in the game's first 40 minutes, Loyola got on the board first with a goal by Benni Hofmann. Minutes later, Richard found the ball in the Ramblers' box after a delivery by David Gripman. Richards settled the ball and flicked in a clever shot that tucked into the top right corner of the goal. Richards' strike tied the game at one heading into the half.

After the break, both teams battled the high temperatures. After a stoppage, a Loyola attack yielded a goal by Billy Hency. The goal in the 51st minute put the Ramblers in front. DePaul totaled a pair of corners and fired off four shots during the second half but could not manage to equalize the score. Loyola held on to claim the opener 2-1, outshooting the Blue Demons 13-8.

"We had our share of chances and just need to be better in finishing those chances going forward," said Plotkin. "There were good moments to build on and some moments we'll definitely learn from. We'll be ready for St. Thomas next Thursday."

KEY STATS

Richards' goal gives the senior scores in three consectuive matches, dating back to last season. Richards tallied goals versus Marquette and Creighton to close out the 2020-21 campaign.
DePaul sophomore Marek Gonda led the Blue Demons with three shots, two coming on target.
Blue Demon defender David Gripman played all 90 minutes and tallied the DePaul assist. The assist was his first since notching one in the season opener last season.
DePaul freshmen Nathaniel Enriquez, Charlie Clancy and Julian Saldana all saw action in the season opener. The trio made their regular season collegiate debut for the Blue Demons.

UP NEXT

DePaul hosts St. Thomas next Thursday at 3 p.m. CT in Lincoln Park. The match wraps up a quick two-match homestand that begins the 2021 season. DePaul will then hit the road to take on Wisconsin and Bradley.

For all of the latest on DePaul Men's Soccer, stay tuned to depaulbluedemons.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.