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Loyola in fine form on pitch
Updated: October 14, 2012 1:13PM
LA GRANGE
With a lot of new players stepping in this season, Loyola’s boys soccer team figured to struggle in the early going.
And the Ramblers did just that, dropping a pair of 3-0 decisions in a tournament at Glenbrook South to start the year.
But since then Loyola is on a 5-1-1 run. The Ramblers had one of their best offensive days Saturday at the Pepsi Showdown against Plainfield Central.
Loyola received goals from Alex Lopez, Corey Meehan, Kevin Francis and Charlie Floyd to capture a 4-0 opening-round victory.
“We’re not the biggest team but I think that we’re quick and have some really good players,” said Meehan, one of 11 seniors on the squad.
“We’re starting to gel as a team and are playing off each other more. In every game we get more confident so I have a good feeling about this season.”
Joining Meehan as returning starters are Sebastien Chavannes, Francis, Michael Jamieson, Ricky Poulton and Nathan Yasko.
“Our senior class is really a tight-knit group and our juniors are coming along,” Poulton said. “We’re relaxing and having a good time out there.
“Everyone on the team wants to succeed really badly so they’re all really willing to work hard for the team and that’s a really good quality.”
Ramblers coach Robert Etheridge was a bit concerned about how long it would take his squad to put everything together.
“We’re starting to click right now,” Etheridge said. “We’ve defended strongly in our last two or three games and that’s been the backbone of our team.
“Our juniors have stepped up and we have a couple of injured seniors and getting them back will make a difference. Hopefully we can compete better against better opposition.” ~.
