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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Loyola (Md.)
Loyola Strikes Twice Early In Second Half, Defeats Men's Soccer 2-1 In Season Opener
August 31, 2007 | Men's Soccer
Phil Bannister made the key plays for Loyola on two goals in a 1:09 span early in the second half to lead the Greyhounds to a 2-1 victory over Princeton in the men's soccer season opener for both teams played at Powers Field at Princeton Stadium Friday night.
Bannister first helped tie the game at 1-1 in the 52nd minute, taking an initial shot that was saved by Princeton goalie Joe Walter before teammate Eddie Dines deposited the rebound into an open net. He then scored the game winner just 1:09 later, taking a redirected ball near midfield and scoring on a long left-footed shot behind the Princeton defense.
The Tigers (0-1) had gone ahead in the 48th minute thanks to the hard work of sophomore Max Hare and little good luck. Hare's redirection of a centered ball was set to go wide, but a Loyola defender headed the ball into his own goal in an attempt to send the ball over the end line and Princeton had a 1-0 lead.
"We talk often about how those first few minutes after getting the lead are so important, and we didn't do a good job in those moments," said Princeton head coach Jim Barlow. "Give Loyola credit for continuing to work and make those plays happen."
Princeton controlled possession for much of the first half, taking six shots to Loyola's two in the first 45 minutes, but the half ended scoreless. The Greyhounds outshot the Tigers 9-4 in the decisive second half.
"We know we can play well and control possession," said Tiger junior Matt Care, who had two of his team's 10 shots on the night. "Now it's a matter of not having those lapses that can turn a lead into a deficit."
Joe Walter had three saves for Princeton, while freshman Tim Sedwitz also made a key play in clearing a certain Loyola goal off the line later in the second half after the Tigers had fallen behind. Loyola goalie Milos Kocic had five saves to earn the victory.
The teams were playing for the ninth straight season and the 11th time in the past 12 seasons, and Princeton now holds a 4-3-4 advantage in those 11 meetings.
Princeton is playing its 2007 men's and women's soccer home games at Powers Field at Princeton Stadium while the new Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium undergoes construction.