LOS ANGELES – In her first game back at Sullivan Field since a season-ending injury one-game into her freshman season,
Simone Handy's 82
ndminute goal secured the victory for Loyola Marymount women's soccer in their home opener. The Lions (1-1-1) scored twice in the second half to defeat Loyola – Chicago (1-2-0) on Friday.
"A lot of credit to our players for not putting their heads down and letting that tying goal make them give up," said Head Coach
Michelle Myers. "I think as we continue with each game, we continue to learn things, and continue to get better, and hopefully learn from those situations."
After the Ramblers pressured early, taking three corner kicks in the first eight minutes of action, LMU's shut down the LUC offense. The visitors tallied just one shot in the opening 45 minutes, compared to five from the Lions, yet both teams went into the locker room scoreless at the half.
A combination of freshmen put LMU on the board first.
Sydney Schultz found
Jalyn Lupo in the box for her first of two assists. Lupo received the pass, turned towards net, and scored to open the scoring in the 66
thminute.
The scoreline held until Loyola Chicago equalized in the 80
thminute off a goal from Jenna Szczesny.
The Lions were quick to respond as
Simone Handy converted another Schultz assist for the game-winner less than a minute and a half later.
"She tore the ACL as a freshman, but what people don't realize is prior to that she had a broken leg and another torn ACL, so she's been out of soccer for a few years now," said Myers. "It's been a long, frustrating road, so I'm happy to see her get a little bit of a reward. She still has a ways to go with getting her strength back, but we're excited to have her back on the field."
The goal was Handy's first of her LMU career.
"It felt amazing," said Handy. "It was a lot of work over the last year, and I am so thankful that I got to play today and show my best."
Loyola Marymount will have a quick turnaround, with Northeastern coming to campus on Sunday for a 1 p.m. game. The Huskies (1-2-0) lost to Long Beach State on Friday night, 2-1.
