Michigan
1-0-0, 0-0-0
Loyola-Chicago
0-1-0, 0-0-0
U-M Downs Loyola Chicago to Open 2024 Season
8/22/2024 10:21:00 PM | Men's Soccer
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan men's soccer team got its 25th season off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over Loyola Chicago on Thursday (Aug. 22) at U-M Soccer Stadium.
Charlie Lawrence scored the first goal of his Michigan tenure in the 63rd minute with an assist from Nicholas Cassiday. The Wolverines (1-0-0) outshot the Ramblers 14-12 in the contest and put four shots on target, including Lawrence's marker. In goal, Isaiah Goldson got the start and shut out Loyola Chicago for 90 minutes to earn his first win of the season.
The first half featured plenty of opportunities for both sides, with the teams combining for 12 shots -- seven coming from Michigan. Three of U-M's seven shots were on target with the best chance coming in the 33rd minute as Will Baker narrowly missed the frame off a free-kick delivery from Beto Soto.
The Wolverines began to build attacking momentum in the second half with Cassiday and Michael Leon both firing attempts around the net. Two more shots by Lawrence and Leon, respectively, kept the pressure on before Michigan found the breakthrough. Cassiday picked up the ball at the edge of the Loyola Chicago penalty box and found Lawrence on the left side of the goal who calmly fired the ball into the back of the net to vault U-M in front 1-0.
Michigan's defense held firm for the final 27 minutes despite pressure from the Ramblers' attack, including a crucial save by Goldson with less than 10 minutes to go in the contest. This marks the Maize and Blue's first win in a season opener since the 2020-21 spring season.
Next up, Michigan will host Oakland on Sunday (Aug. 25) for a 2 p.m. contest at U-M Soccer Stadium. The matchup will be streamed live on B1G+.
Team Stats
Charlie Lawrence (1)
Assisted By: Nicholas Cassiday
GOAL by U-M Lawrence, Charlie Assist by Cassiday, Nicholas.
62:02
