Aug. 26, 2005

CINCINNATI, Ohio - Loyola University Chicago women's soccer dropped its season opening match tonight, dropping a 3-0 decision to host Xavier at XU's Soccer Complex in Cincinnati. With the win, Xavier improves to 1-0 on the year, while LU falls to 0-1. The loss spoiled the debut of first-year Ramblers head coach Frank Mateus.

The Musketeers struck first in the 27th minute on a six-yard score by Sara Schmidt, assisted by Molly Finnerty and Christine Chuck. Loyola then held Xavier scoreless until the 61st minute when Sara Doutt hit the back of the net off a rebound for a 2-0 advantage. Amber Silvis scored XU's final goal in the 80th minute with assists from Doutt and Maggie O'Neal to provide the final margin.

Xavier held the advantage over Loyola in both shot attempts (20-10) and corner kicks (5-3) for the match. Sophomore forward Katie Heidenreich (St. Louis, Mo.) tallied three shots on goal and junior goalkeeper Emily Peick (Mendota Heights, Minn.) finished with nine saves for the Ramblers.

"When we made mistakes on the field tonight, we made them at very critical times and Xavier made us pay for that," said Mateus. "I felt that we played better than the score indicated."

The Ramblers will host 2004 NCAA participant and in-state rival Eastern Illinois at Loyola Soccer Park on Sept. 4 at 5 p.m.