DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras men's soccer team walked off of Oyen Field on Tuesday night as champions after defeating their crosstown rivals, University of Dubuque, 2-1. Senior
Mike Gordon tallied the game-winner in the 40th minute after a failed clearance by the Spartans.
TURNING POINTAfter Dubuque scored the opener in the 28th minute, the Duhawks responded immediately, finding the equalizer 96 seconds later off the foot of sophomore
Spencer Moore.
HOW IT HAPPENEDCool temperatures and a constant downpour made for less than ideal conditions. Dubuque cracked the scoresheet first in the 28th minute after Gonzalo Hernandez' shot was blocked and fell to Leo Lenth. On the volley, Lenth snuck it past
Jacob Peterson to put the Spartans ahead.
After the restart, Dubuque's Billy Belmonte sent a shot wide of goal before Loras came right down and equalized. A cross into the box found senior
Johnny Rummelhart who chested it down to Moore. On the first touch, Moore beat Riley Jensen side-netting for the goal.
With the scoreboard level at one, the Duhawks continued to push the tempo, just like they have all season long.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 40th minute after a botched clearance by Dubuque. Senior
Mike Gordon pounced on the opportunity and on the volley gave Loras the lead.
Trailing late, the Spartans struggled to create chances due to Loras' repeated presence in the offensive third. Dubuque's best chance of the night came in the 54th minute when Hernandez found a seam and forced a diving save from Peterson to preserve the lead.
FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Bryan Irwin | Helped to control the pace and play of the game in less than ideal conditions. Battled through two hard collisions to remain in the game and repeatedly win 50-50 balls.
UP NEXTWith the No. 1 seed in the Iowa Conference Tournament, Loras will await to play the winner of Simpson and Wartburg, who will square off on Saturday. The winner of that match will travel to Dubuque and face the Duhawks in the Rock Bowl next Wednesday at 7 p.m.
