Loyola Wins Horizon League Men's Soccer Championship

Nov. 16, 2008

Gameday Blog
Box Score
PHOTO GALLERY

CHICAGO - Loyola's Mark Halma, who scored the game-winner Friday night against No. 1 seed UIC, scored in the 75th minute to give the Ramblers a 1-0 win over Cleveland State Sunday afternoon in the title match of the U.S. Army Horizon League Men's Soccer Championship. With the win, No. 5 seed Loyola advances to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years.

Halma's goal came off a rebound at 74:23, and like Friday's tally, it was initiated by Willie Koss. After a Loyola shot, the ball deflected to Koss, who hit a rocket that was blocked by a CSU defender. The rebound from Koss' try went to Halma, who put the ball in the net.

The Ramblers controlled play for most of the match, holding the No. 3 seed Vikings without a shot in the first half. Loyola had several dangerous possessions in the box, but the Viking defense and goalkeeper Nick Harpel were up to the task until Halma broke through.

Cleveland State, which sees its season end at 9-8-3, had its best scoring chance in the second half when Nenad Stojkovic put a shot on goal. Loyola goalkeeper Brian Byrne made the stop.

CSU was able to consistently penetrate the Rambler defense in the final 15 minutes, but Loyola cleared the ball out of danger each time, keeping the clock running.

The NCAA Tournament field will be announced Monday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. ET.

2008 All-Tournament Team
Eduardo Garcia, Butler
Pat McMahon, UIC
Slavisa Ubiparipovic, Cleveland State
Marco DiFranco, Cleveland State
Josh Williams, Cleveland State
Mitch Boyer, Cleveland State
Willie Koss, Loyola
Brian Byrne (GK), Loyola
Keum Sung Kim, Loyola
Eric Gehrig, Loyola
Mark Halma, Loyola (MVP)