TicketsAug. 31, 2007
CINCINNATI -- Senior Kenny Anaba (Westerville, OH/Worthington Christian) scored a pair of goals, but the University of Cincinnati men's soccer team dropped a 4-2 decision against Loyola Chicago on Friday (Aug. 31) at Loyola Soccer Park.
The Ramblers took an early lead on the first of Michael Ferguson's three tallies. Ferguson put home a rebounded shot in the third minute.
Anaba scored his two markers within moments of each other, giving UC a 2-1 lead in the first half. In the 21st minute, the two-time all-BIG EAST selection took a through ball from junior Lionel Jackson (Southfield, MI/Birmingham Groves) and buried his shot to knot the match at one goal apiece.
Just over two minutes later, Anaba struck again. After accepting a pass from redshirt freshman Chris Thompson (New South Wales, Australia/New Castle Univ.) in the box, Anaba turned and beat Loyola keeper Brian Byre for his 18th career goal.
Loyola's Eric Gehrig tied the match in the 26th minute, converting from the penalty spot. The teams went to the locker room tied at two.
Ferguson won the match for the Ramblers in the 56th minute with his second goal and earned the hat trick with a header after a failed clearance in the 78th minute.
Fifth-year senior goalkeeper John-Michael Boggs (Lexington, KY/Paul Laurence Dunbar) got the start for the third time in his career and made three saves. Byrne made four saves for Loyola.
The Bearcats continue a difficult road stretch to open the season, travelling to Albuquerque, N.M. for the New Mexico Invitational next weekend. UC will take on Central Florida on Sept. 7 and host New Mexico on Sept. 9.