WASHINGTON – Sarah Bayer scored the game's only goal with 21:13 remaining in regulation, sending Loyola University Maryland to a key 1-0 victory at American on Saturday afternoon.

The Greyhounds (3-1 PL, 2-1 South) pick up three crucial points in South division play to remain in contention for a Patriot League tournament spot heading into the final weekend of the regular season. Loyola held the Eagles (0-4, 0-3) without a shot on goal over the final 53 minutes of the contest.

Bayer's goal came off a corner from Gillian Borton on the right side. Borton nearly scored on her own, as her cross bounced off goalkeeper Ryleigh Brown's hands and settled on the goal line before Bayer was able to tap the ball into the back of the net.

The goal was Bayer's ninth at Loyola, and her first since she had the game-winner in the Greyhounds' 3-1 victory over American during the 2019 regular season on October 2. Borton, meanwhile, recorded her first assist of the season and the third overall of her collegiate career.

American had the advantage in shots (4-2) and corner kicks (3-1) during the opening half, with Loyola goalkeeper Paige Sim required to make both of her two saves prior to the intermission. The Greyhounds earned four of the game's five corners over the final 45 minutes, and they had a 6-4 lead in shots after the break.

With another lockdown defensive effort, Loyola has now held opponents to one goal or fewer in 16-consecutive games overall. The Greyhounds improved to 11-3-4 lifetime against American, including a 5-1-2 edge since joining the Patriot League.

Sim posted her seventh clean sheet in her 16th collegiate start in goal. She is now 3-1 on the year with a .714 save percentage and 0.50 goals-against average.

Loyola concludes the regular season next Friday night, traveling to Lehigh for a South division contest beginning at 6 p.m.