The men’s soccer team suffered its first conference loss of the season against No. 25 Navy on Saturday by a score of 2-0. The Hounds now sit at a 1-1 record in the Patriot League and 2-6 overall, while Navy is off to their best start since 1966 with a record of 9-0 (2-0 Patriot League).

Loyola managed to control major facets of the game, outshooting Navy 21-5 and creating 12 corner kicks. However, none of those chances translated to points. Navy scored both of their goals midway through the first half, then stood firm against the Loyola attack to break its three-game losing streak against the Hounds.

The Midshipmen scored their first goal in the 27th minute, when a cross from Matt Nocita found its way to Nicko West, who fired a laser past the Loyola defense to take a 1-0 lead.

Navy got their second goal 13 minutes later when a Chase Vosvick ’21 save rebounded to Ethan Singer, who capitalized on the second chance opportunity. 

Loyola outshot Navy 11-0 for the remainder of the match, but the damage had been done. Additionally, goalie Ian Bramblett stopped anything that came close to the net. Repeated attempts from Brian Saramago ’20, Barry Sharifi ’20, and others were stifled. Bramblett now has seven shutouts to his name on the season.

The Hounds look to snap their losing streak on Wednesday when they go on the road to face the Bucknell Bison in conference play. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Featured Image Courtesy of Craig Chase.