DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras men's soccer team executed their gameplan to perfection on Wednesday night, scoring three times in the first 25 minutes on their way to a 3-nil decision over Simpson. Senior Kevin Higgins assisted on the game-winner before securing his second goal of the season later in the half.

TURNING POINT
After junior Alex Bradley scored the opening goal, Loras established their dominance eight minutes later with a second tally, this time from senior Johnny Rummelhart. At times this season, the Duhawks struggled to get on opposing teams early, allowing them to hang around, as opposed to putting them away early.

HOW IT HAPPENED
A deep throw-in from junior Calvin Miller found the head of Higgins, who won the air battle and flicked the ball on towards the back post where Bradley beat his mark to the ball, catching Simpson goalkeeper Austin Schafer off guard. Bradley, who is more know for his play with the ball at his feet, scored his fifth of the season and fourth game-winner of the year on his only shot of the night.

The single-goal advantage only stood for eight minutes as Rummelhart blasted a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area to beat Schafer to the near-corner. The goal matched Bradley's fifth of the year and helped to establish Loras as the elite team in the semifinal match.

For good measure, the Duhawks kept the pressure on and were rewarded five minutes after Rummelhart's strike thanks to a goal from Higgins. Bradley initial pass intended for junior Kyler Olson fell to the feet of sophomore Spencer Moore who slid his pass through the box and to the feet of Higgins. On the first touch, Higgins drove his shot low and to the feet of Schafer who struggled to come away with the save cleanly, coughing up a juicy rebound for Higgins to send into the twine.

Trailing by three at the half, Simpson came out in strong form to open the second half, but simply could not break through the Loras defense, who claimed their eighth shutout of the season and improved their team's collective goals against average to 0.83

After recording 12 shots in the opening frame, Loras added one more shot, which was saved by Matt Stewart, late in the second half.

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Kevin Higgins | Thanks in part to the formation employed by Loras on Wednesday night, Higgins managed to join the offensive rush on multiple occasions. His goal was his first since this season's home-opener against St. Olaf.

SOUNDBITES | Kevin Higgins and Alex Bradley


UP NEXT
With the victory, Loras advances to the Iowa Conference Tournament Championship match where they will face the No. 2 seed, University of Dubuque. Kickoff time will be determined and announced on Thursday. In their regular season match, the Duhawks won their 10th Iowa Conference Regular Season Championship, defeating the Spartans 2-1.