KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Duhawks.com) – The Loras College men's soccer team was defeated in the National Championship match on Saturday by a final score of 2-1 at the hands of Amherst College. Loras concludes their season with a record of 18-5-1 and will be received by their fans in Dubuque, Iowa on Sunday evening. The Duhawks lone goal came in the 9th minute off a rebound that rattled around in the box. Senior Johnny Rummelhart put his best effort into it for his seventh goal of the season.

TURNING POINT
After Loras scored the opening goal in the ninth minute, Amherst came back and found the equalizer minutes later, preventing the Duhawks from enjoying the lead. From that point on, both teams created their fair share of chances.

HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
As promised, both sides came out running, pushing themselves to the limit trying to earn a National Championship. Amherst controlled the early portion of the half, putting many shots and crosses into the box. Sophomore Jacob Peterson and senior Sam Koenig each were active on the back line, combining to make three saves. In total, Amherst put six shots on goal in the first half and took 13 shots in total.

Loras put three shots on target in the half and struck first in the ninth minute. Senior Johnny Rummelhart scored his seventh goal of the season at the perfect moment, securing an early 1-0 lead. Unfortunately for Loras, Amherst's continued pressure resulted in a goal just five minutes later off a corner kick attempt. Koenig was nearly there to make his third team save of the half, but the ball was headed just past him.

Second Half
Loras opened the second half strong offensively, creating two chances in the opening minutes which nearly but them ahead. Following a pass from senior Richard Lenke, Rummelhart found himself one-on-one with Amherst keeper Thomas Bull. Bull showed his skill to deny the goal, sweeping the ball away from Rummelhart as he came off his line.

Both sides were kept level at one goal each until Amherst's Bryce Ciambella fired a shot from the left wing after picking up the loose ball. After their goal, Amherst went heavy on defense in an effort to prevent a potential Duhawk comeback.

The remaining 35 minutes were spent fighting by the Duhawks, who looked for any chance they could get. Loras rattled off seven shots in the final 15 minutes of play in attempt to send the game into overtime, but in the end came up empty.

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Johnny Rummelhart | The Iowa City native scored the Duhawks lone goal of the game and his seventh of the season. Rummelhart registered five shots, with four on goal in attempt to give his team and second goal. The senior fought through pain following a hard collision with Bull in the first half to try and end his career with a win.

Following the conclusion of the match, three Duhawks were named to the All-Tournament team. Senior Bryan Irwin, junior Alex Bradley, and sophomore Jacob Peterson all earned honors from the NCAA.