Marquette Scores 1-0 Exhibition Win Over Loyola Chicago

MILWAUKEE – A Diego Núñez 71st-minute chip shot was the lone tally in Marquette's 1-0 exhibition victory over visiting Loyola Chicago on Saturday night.

With merely a full day of training entering the contest, Marquette spent the early part of Saturday's exhibition getting re-acclimated to game speed. Marquette head coach Louis Bennett, who enters his 13th season at the helm, played 21 players, including all four goalkeepers.

🎥▶️Postgame thoughts from HC @Loobe21 after tonight's 1-0 exhibition win over Loyola. #MarquetteSoccer pic.twitter.com/jsbOLOw01I
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 12, 2018

The first 45 minutes saw minimal opportunities for each side with MU holding the slight edge in shots, 4-3. In the second half, the Golden Eagles controlled possession and outshot the Ramblers, 9-5.

Incumbent starter, Luis Barraza, played 37-plus minutes without getting tested, but newcomer Alec Wons kept the game scoreless before halftime with a diving save after Loyola's Aiden Megally put a diving header on goal. Fellow freshmen keepers, Cedrik Stern (30 min.) and Jackson Weyman (14 min.) also made a save as the quartet combined for the clean sheet.

Núñez's tally came on an assist from newcomer Oliver Posarelli, who lofted a pass into the penalty area from midfield. From there, Núñez collected and chipped the game-winner over the keeper, who had lost his balance.

Luka Prpa, who dons the number 10 as a junior after wearing 14 for his first two seasons, registered a match-best four shots, including one goal. His lone shot on target came at the end of a two-shot sequence in which his first shot ricocheted off the crossbar.

🎥▶️ #MarquetteSoccer co-captain @Luka_Prpa discusses the big takeaways from tonight and Diego's signature tally in the 71st. pic.twitter.com/woqsz73oDb
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 12, 2018

The Golden Eagles will return to the practice field this week as they prepare for the second exhibition match of the preseason on Saturday, Aug. 18, when they take on Green Bay on the road. Start time is slated for 7 p.m.

Keep up with the Marquette men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer).