Aug. 19, 2011

CHICAGO - After a 90-minute battle, the Loyola women's soccer team (1-0) notched its first win of 2011 on Friday evening at Loyola Soccer Park with a 1-0 decision over Bowling Green (0-1). An own goal by the Falcons put the Ramblers on the board in the first half and a solid LU defensive backline throughout the game solidified the 1-0 victory in the season opener for both teams.

The win improves Loyola to 1-0 on the season, while Bowling Green begins the 2011 campaign 0-1.

At the 18:41 mark, an offensive attack from the Ramblers resulted in a goal when Falcon defender Kylie Briem mishandled the ball while attempting to clear the box and sent a header straight into the back of the net.

"Early on, it took us a couple of minutes to get on our feet. We were fortunate to get the own goal and by the end of the first half, I though we were working pretty well," said Loyola Head Coach Barry Bimbi, who recorded his first career victory as a head coach.

Despite committing 22 fouls to Bowling Green's 13, Loyola maintained possession for the majority of the match which opened with multiple opportunities to score. The Ramblers ended the game with 11 shots as a team. Sophomore Tricia Stonebraker led Loyola with four shots, while junior Elyssa Kulas added two shots on goal.

Freshman Monica Gonyo started in goal for Loyola and posted three saves on the night en route to a shutout win in her first career appearance as a Rambler. Bimbi becomes the second women's soccer coach in Loyola history to earn a victory in his Rambler coaching debut.

"Overall, it is always nice to get a win when you feel there are still things to work on. It gives you something going forward," Bimbi said. "I think in the second half our fitness let us down. We're going to need a lot of girls to go the full 90 minutes so fitness is definitely something we will work on."

The Ramblers close out the season-opening weekend this Sunday, when Gonzaga visits Loyola Soccer Park. Kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m. CT.

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