Sept. 29, 2007

Box Score

Baltimore, Md. - Freshman Phil Bannister drew UMBC keeper Steve King out of the goal and slipped a shot past him to give the Greyhounds all the offense they would need in Saturday's 1-nil victory over their Baltimore foe. The Greyhounds, who wrapped up non-conference play against the Retrievers, improved to 7-2 overall with Saturday's victory in front of 1,220 fans at Diane Geppi-Aikens Field.

"I saw the goalie come at me and I gave it a touch," said Bannister after the game. The goal, which began with a long service from Janson Blake in the 55th minute, was settled by Bannister, who was met by King 10 yards from the goal. Bannister was then able to punch the ball away and float it into the back of the net.

The Greyhounds, who are now 4-0 at home with three shutouts, played a smothering defense that allowed few opportunities for the Retrievers. Sophomore Milos Kocic made six saves in goal to earn his fourth shutout of the season, while co-captains Josh Taylor and Tennant McVea helped keep UMBC off the scoreboard.

Bannister's game-winner is his third this season and his goal is his team-leading fifth of the year. The Greyhounds close the non-conference slate at 7-2-0 and now head to Siena for their Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) opener this Friday at 4 p.m.

"We're playing with a lot of confidence," adds Bannister. "We have to carry it over to the MAAC season now."

The last time Loyola began a season with seven wins in its first nine matches it advanced to the NCAA Round of 16. That year, 2001, Head Coach Mark Mettrick's squad posted an overall record of 17-2-2 and defeated Maryland in the NCAA Tournament first round.

Loyola's men's soccer classes of 1986 and 1987 were honored at halftime of Saturday's match. Both classes advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals, each winning 17 matches during the season.

Halfime Photo Gallery