Both the Loyola Marymount men’s and women’s soccer teams are looking for better outcomes (and more goals) this weekend after being edged by nationally ranked opponents in the respective matches last weekend.

The men’s team lost its season-opening match 2-1 to No. 16 Virginia Tech at Sullivan Field when the Hokies tallied in the 89th minute. The Lions had fallen behind 1-0 in the first minute of the contest, but rallied to tie on Jack Salus’ goal, assisted by Bastien Oberli, in the 68th minute.

Sauls nearly converted another opportunity but was denied, and Virginia Tech scored the late game-winner to escape with the victory despite LMU’s 15-9 edge in shots attempted. 

The Lions (0-1) return to action Sept. 6 when they take on Oral Roberts (3-1) at Sullivan Field. The Golden Eagles’ roster includes sophomore midfielder Kyle Brady, former Trinity League MVP at Santa Margarita High School, who transferred from LMU.

Women

Despite earning all five second half corner kicks, and eight of the 10 of the corners of the match, LMU’s women’s soccer team fell 1-0 to San Jose State Aug. 29 when the Spartans (1-0-2) scored in the 68th minute.

Playing their home opener at Sullivan Field, Lions had several corner kicks in the game’s final 15 minutes but were turned away each time. LMU’s best scoring chance came in the first half on Maki Kono’s free kick that hit the top of the crossbar.

On Sept. 1, LMU held its own for much of the afternoon against No. 7 Penn State (3-1) before losing 3-0 in a rare “Lions vs. Nittany Lions” contest at Sullivan Field in the WCC/Big 10 Challenge.

LMU fended off 13 first half corner kicks by Penn State to keep the game within reach. The visitors scored in the 25th minute, then added two more goals in the second half.

The Lions conclude their three-game home stretch Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. against Duquesne at 4 p.m., prior to the men's match against Oral Roberts at 7 p.m. 

Mike Nelson is the former editor of The Tidings (predecessor of Angelus News).

Start your day with Always Forward, our award-winning e-newsletter. Get this smart, handpicked selection of the day’s top news, analysis, and opinion, delivered to your inbox. Sign up absolutely free today!