BOX SCORE (PDF)

EVANSVILLE, Ind. –The University of Evansville women's soccer team (2-7-2, 0-0-1) started the Missouri Valley Conference slate on Saturday, playing Loyola University Chicago (5-3-3, 0-0-1) to a scoreless draw.  

"I thought we played well today," said Evansville head women's soccer coach Krista McKendree. "We created some good chances and didn't allow Loyola that many good looks. We still have to be a bit better with our final pass or shot."

During the second overtime, UE senior goalkeeper Simone Busby made a save on Kara Ruffalo in the 103^rd minute then Loyola keeper Maddie Ford saved a 104^th minute attempt from senior forward Kayla Smith. Evansville also had an opportunity in the 105^th minute but Ford made a diving save on a header from freshman midfielder Molly Lear. Busby made the final save of the day on a Shelby Koch shot in the 107^th minute to preserve the scoreless tie.

"Every game in conference is going to be tough," added McKendree, "and we started off with a point which will be important down the road."

The first half featured just one shot on goal, a 45^th minute header from UE sophomore defender Olivia Shafer that was saved by Ford.

After outshooting Loyola 5-1 in the first half, UE also took eight of the 10 shots in the second half. Sophomore forward Nicki Baham's 61^st minute and 83^rd minute headers were both saved by Ford. Smith also had an 85^th minute blast that was deflected by Baham and redirected away. Scoreless in the 89^th minute, Loyola tallied four corner kicks in the final 1:27 but were unable to score the game winner.

The first overtime featured four shots (two from each team), but none were on frame.

Smith led all players with five shots (one on goal). Junior midfielder Bronwyn Boswell also totaled four shots as Shafer tallied three shots on the night. Busby had two saves, both in double overtime.

Evansville's next match is at Northern Iowa on Oct. 3. The Purple Aces return home to host Drake on Oct. 10 at 6:00 p.m. CDT at Arad McCutchan Stadium.