Loyola women’s soccer took a convincing 3-0 win against Fordham University in the Bronx, New York Sept. 20. The Ramblers scored three goals from four shots in the first half and controlled the game to keep a clean sheet despite a persistent Fordham attack.
The Ramblers opened the scoring early when in the seventh minute, fourth-year forward and midfielder Zoe Hevey put a dangerous ball into the box that was mishandled by a Fordham defender. It dropped for first-year forward and midfielder Addison Schaffer, who controlled the ball and guided it into the bottom right corner of the net, for her first collegiate goal.
Rams’ second-year forward and midfielder Lena Johnsen took a rip from far out in the 16th minute, but it sailed high and to the right for a Rambler goal kick.
Loyola had an opportunity to add another in the 19th minute as Hevey chased a ball headed for the goal line, but it was called for offsides.
Fordham fourth-year midfielder Salma Simonin made a run and put a pass in that was met by third-year forward Julia Acosta, but she got underneath her shot and sent the ball flying over the goal.
Loyola second-year midfielder Josslyn Weissman was taken down in the attacking third by an aggressive challenge from third-year defender Mackenzie Reid. Third-year midfielder Lydia Case’s freekick delivery was threatening, but the ball was punched away by Fordham third-year goalkeeper Addison Green.
The Rams knocked on the door again in the 25th minute when Johnsen put an inswinging ball toward the goal. It was easily caught by fourth-year goalkeeper Allison Deardorff before being punted away.
Loyola’s second goal came in the 32nd minute when second-year midfielder Mary Fornelli intercepted a misplaced Fordham pass and dished it off to Schaffer. Schaffer played Hevey, skipped past a defender and slotted a shot around Green to double the Ramblers lead and tally her first goal of the season.
The Rambers added their third with five minutes left in the half. Loyola fourth-year forward Emily Rossi’s outswinging corner found the head of Case, who put it firmly in the back of the net. This was her first goal of the season and second in her college career.
Case got another shot off before the half, but the long range shot bounced out of bounds to the left of the net.
Fordham’s first-year midfielder Sophia Banzon lofted a header on target which drifted right into Deardorff’s gloves just before the end of the half.
Fordham started the second half on the front foot. In the 55th minute, Acosta floated a ball toward the goal that Deardorff stepped out and claimed. They kept the pressure on, registering three more shots on target over the course of four minutes, all of which were saved by Deardorff. The shots came from Johnsen, Acosta and first-year defender Edit Mare.
Loyola had a penalty scare in the 59th minute, when after taking a shot, Acosta collided with fifth-year defender Emily Roberts. Originally not called a penalty, Fordham requested a referee video review, and after a momentary stoppage, the call of no penalty was upheld.
In the 69th minute, Banzon was awarded the first yellow card of the game for tugging on Weissman’s shirt. In the 75th, fourth-year forward Riley Carroll also saw yellow, tackling fourth-year midfielder Maggie Schmidt to prevent a Rambler counter attack. Loyola’s third-year defender Catherine Cline picked up a yellow of her own two minutes later after a mistimed challenge on Banzon.
In the 85th minute, another yellow card was given against Fordham, this time to Reid as she tumbled into first-year defender Sarah Collins. The last notable action of the half came a minute later when Acosta took an effort from way out that fell nicely for Deardorff who scooped it up.
The Ramblers finished the game 3-0. They were outshot 14-4, but unlike Fordham, were able to capitalize on their chances, scoring all three of their shots on target. Their record improves to 4-2-3. Deardorff recorded eight saves and picked up her sixth clean sheet of the season and school record tying 24th of her career.
Schaffer was named Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Week, and Deardorff was named Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Week.
Head Coach Jon Sandoval praised his players, but stressed the importance of focus.
“I’m really proud of the team today,” Sandoval said. “To go on the road and to start conference play with a win is great, it’s important to stay focused on the moment in front of us. We have to take it one game at a time, continue to improve, and stay focused on the next challenge.”
The Ramblers return to Loyola Soccer Park to compete against conference opponent La Salle University Sept. 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.