DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras women's soccer team defeated their crosstown rivals for the second time this week, this time to advance to the semifinals of the Iowa Conference Tournament. Sophomore Riley O'Neill tallied the game-winner for Loras in the 22nd minute while freshman Michelle Loyo recorded her fourth clean sheet of the season.

TURNING POINT
Riley O'Neill's free kick in the 22nd minute bounced inside the penalty area and over the head of Dubuque's Megan Moll to give Loras the lead.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Compared to Tuesday's regular season finale, where the rain and wind heavily impacted the game, Saturday was more typical of a fall soccer contest. Both sides took five shots in the opening frame, but it was O'Neill's strike in the 22nd minute that lifted her side the the halftime advantage. Dubuque managed to put two of their five shots on target, but had both shots stopped by Loyo.

In the second half, the offense picked up for both Loras and Dubuque, as the teams combined for 20 shots and seven on target. Trailing in the 73rd minute, the Spartans looked as if they had found the equalizer after a loose ball in the box was pounced on by Kyleigh McLaughlin. With Loyo and senior Claire Murphy coming together in front of goal, McLaughlin poked the ball through and into the twine. As Dubuque celebrated the goal, the center official and assistant referee conferred and disallowed the goal and called a foul on McLaughlin for interfering with Loyo.

Less than a minute later, a service into the box was deflected away by Moll and sophomore Maura Walsh fought through two Dubuque defenders to direct her header on target and across the goal line for the insurance tally.

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Michelle Loyo | The freshman goalkeeper posted her fourth clean sheet of the season, making five saves to improve to 4-1-1 on the year. Loyo now owns a 1.04 goals against average and a .833 save percentage.

UP NEXT
Loras advances to face Coe in the semifinals of the Iowa Conference Tournament. In their regular season meeting, Coe handed Loras a 3-1 setback. Since that loss, Loras has opened a five-match winning streak, including three clean sheets. Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.