Loyola's Run Comes to End After 2-1 Loss in NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament First Round

Taking a 1-0 lead midway through the first half, it looked as if Loyola's defense would help them to a first round upset over Bradley in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Instead, two second half goals sent Bradley past the Ramblers, 2-1, at Shea Field on Thursday.

Loyola (7-12-2) had not allowed a goal in five matches dating back to Oct. 26, leading them through the Horizon League Tournament to claim the League's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Thursday night's contest was a rematch of the teams' September meeting, in which Bradley knocked off Loyola by a 2-1 score.

With their offense continually improving at the counter-attack, the Ramblers drew first blood in the 30th minute as Andrew Raymonds beat Brian Billings. Loyola's defense helped keep Bradley at bay through the next 15 minutes, but the Braves drew even in the 51st minute when Jochen Graf pushed a shot past Peter McKeown. For McKeown, it was the first goal the keeper allowed in nearly six matches.

With the teams deadlocked, it was Keegan Balle who struck the decisive blow for the Braves. Off a centering pass, Loyola could not clear the ball, and as McKeown came out, Balle was able to get free and beat McKeown to the keeper's right for the go-ahead tally.

Loyola would have one more look at a tying score, but a chip into the box trickled to Billings as the Ramblers were not able to play the ball.