CHICAGO — Illinois State suffered its first loss of the season on Sunday afternoon, falling 2-0 to Loyola Chicago at Loyola Soccer Park.  The Redbirds now hold a 2-1-2 record on the season.

Both teams created opportunities early, with Loyola testing Illinois State goalkeeper Madi Valenti twice in the opening minutes. 

The Redbirds responded with pressure of their own, as Rylann Law, Grace Petrie and Aniya Seymore each recorded shots. Illinois State continued to find opportunities in the attacking third, earning multiple corner kicks and forcing Loyola to make saves on attempts from Sosi Dadekian and Mikayla Carkhuff.

Neither team could break through before halftime, sending the match into the break tied 0-0.

Out of halftime, Loyola and Illinois State continued to battle for the opening goal. The Ramblers finally broke the deadlock in the 74th minute.

Illinois State continued to push for an equalizer, with Maggie Dowling and Molly Hughes each recording shots, but neither found the back of the net.

Loyola added an insurance goal in the final minutes to make it 2-0. The Redbirds continued to press in the closing minutes, earning another corner kick, but Loyola held on for the shutout.

UP NEXT 

The Redbirds return home to host Saint Louis on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Adelaide Street Field. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.