Jaroscak’s Goal Sends Men’s Soccer Past Loyola

Saturday, October 24

Baltimore, Md.

7 PM ET

Army West Point

4-5-4, 2-1-2

Loyola

2-10-2, 0-5-1

Army West Point

Loyola

Jaroscak’s Goal Sends Men’s Soccer Past Loyola

October 24, 2015 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

BALTIMORE, Md. – Junior Alex Jaroscak's first-half goal was enough to give the Army West Point men's soccer team a 1-0 Patriot League victory over Loyola on Saturday night at the Ridley Athletic Complex.

With the win, Army (4-5-4, 2-1-2 Patriot League) increases its Patriot League point total to eight to move into a tie with Holy Cross for the sixth and final playoff spot with four conference matches remaining.

Action went back and forth over the early stages of the contest, with both sides controlling their share of limited possession. Senior Cameron Niccum prevented a chance by Loyola (2-10-2, 0-5-1) in the 15th minute when he dispossessed Brad Warenicz, who was dribbling in toward Army's 18-yard box in a dangerous position.

Senior Chris Britt made the first of his two stops on the evening in the 29th minute when he dove to his right side to make a save after Loyola's Laurin Vogel bent a free kick around a wall of Army defenders.

"It was a great free kick and Chris got around to it and made the save before Loyola got to it," said head coach Russell Payne. "That kept us in the game because a goal would have turned things in their favor very quickly. Chris and all of our defenders did a great job. I have to single out Cameron Niccum, he had a tremendous night for us. As a senior captain, he really showed his leadership against a very stingy Loyola team."

The Black Knights maintained possession in their attacking third for the next several minutes, which resulted in a number of offensive chances, including a header from senior Cody Guerry that sailed over the crossbar in the 40th minute after a bouncing pass from classmate Tommy Jaeger on the left side of the field.

Army found its way onto the score sheet just over a minute later when Guerry directed a cross into the 18-yard box from the right side before Jaroscak netted his first goal of the year by heading in a shot that beat Loyola keeper Matt Sanchez at his right post in the 41st minute.

"It's a huge boost anytime you can grab a goal close to halftime," Payne said. "The last five minutes of the half are very crucial in soccer games. Full credit goes to Alex on the finish and to Cody with the great ball in. We talked about needing to score goals as a team and needing to defend as a team and I think those were both evident tonight."

Possession shifted between Army and Loyola during the early goings of the second half until the Black Knights registered a pair of shots 1:10 apart in the 56th and 57th minutes, respectively. Freshman Brett Becia sent his attempt high before junior Nick Williams had his shot blocked away by a Greyhound defender. Army had its third chance of the possession in the 59th minute when Williams laid off a pass to Guerry, whose shot on goal was controlled by Sanchez.

Williams had another good look at goal in the 62nd minute, but his shot on target was blocked by a Loyola defender after receiving a pass from junior Christian Clark.

Sophomore Okheem Riley drew a foul about 35 yards away from goal in the 69th minute and junior Tanner Vosvick sent the ensuing set piece high on goal before Sanchez corralled the shot to prevent the Black Knights from doubling their lead.

Loyola earned a free kick that was played into the 18-yard box in the 74th minute and directed on net by David Warburton, but Britt was waiting to make the save near his right post. The Greyhounds were awarded another free kick in the 87th minute that resulted in a long shot from Matt Bautista that was blocked away by sophomore Marcos Arroyo.

Britt scooped up a loose ball after an errant pass from Loyola with 15 seconds remaining in the 90th minute to keep Army's lead intact right before time expired.

The Black Knights return home on Wednesday for the first of their final two home matches at Clinton Field. Army will host Colgate on Wednesday at 7 p.m. before closing out its home slate against Boston University on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m.

MATCH NOTES: Army stays unbeaten in its all-time series against Loyola, as the Black Knights improve to 3-0-0 versus the Greyhounds … Jaroscak netted his first goal of the season … Guerry registered an assist for his team-leading eighth point of the year … Britt finished with his second shutout in three games to mark his third clean sheet this season.