Friday, August 29, 2003

Lindsay Faron's goal in the 58th minute was all the scoring that Loyola (Ill.) needed on Friday evening as the Ramblers defeated Valparaiso 1-0 in the season opener for both schools in Chicago.

Valpo had the most opportunities in the first half to get on the scoreboard, outshooting the hosts 8-2 in the opening stanza and forcing Loyola's starting goalkeeper Emily Peick to make five saves and keep the match scoreless heading into intermission.

Faron then put the Ramblers (1-0) on top after picking the ball up off of a deflection and firing it into the corner of the goal at the 57:04 mark.

The Crusaders had several more opportunities in the second half, putting seven of their eight shot attempts on net, but back-up keeper Heather Joseph made the save every time.

Valpo (0-1) held a 16-8 advantage in shot attempts for the match, including a 12-4 stronghold on net, but came up empty. Becky Maynard (Munster, Ind./Munster H.S.) made four saves in goal for the Brown and Gold in her first collegiate start.

Valparaiso will return to action on Sunday afternoon when the Crusaders host Western Michigan at 3 p.m. at Eastgate Field in their home opener.