BALTIMORE – Nicko West and Ethan Singer scored 12:46 apart in the first half, and No. 25 Navy overcame a 21-4 shot deficit to top Loyola University Maryland men's soccer by a 2-0 final on Saturday.

The Midshipmen (9-0, 2-0 Patriot League) are off to their best start since 1966, while the Greyhounds (2-6, 1-1 Patriot League) suffer their first defeat this season at Ridley Athletic Complex. 

Loyola controlled play for a majority of the contest, finishing with a 12-1 advantage in corner kicks in addition to its shot disparity. Defender Matt Nocita had a pair of team saves for the visitors, as he cleared a header by Brian Saramago off the goal line 7:42 into the first half and he turned aside an effort by Barry Sharifi with 18 minutes remaining in regulation.

Nocita added an assist on West's opener for Navy in the 27th minute. The Mids doubled their advantage just before halftime, as Ethan Singer put home a rebound after Jacob Williams' initial attempt was turned aside by Chase Vosvick in goal.

Loyola held Navy without a shot for the last 51:10 of regulation, outshooting the visitors 11-0 during that stretch, but was unable to get anything past goalkeeper Ian Bramblett. Saramago led the way with four shots, while Sharifi, Davey Mason, Sam Brown and Justin Ingram had three apiece.

Bramblett picked up his seventh shutout in nine games to begin the year, as Navy ended a three-game losing streak to the Greyhounds.

Loyola looks to get back on track Wednesday evening, traveling to Bucknell for a Patriot League matchup beginning at 7 p.m.