Entering this game against Chaminade, Loyola had high motivation to maintain their flawless league record. The game being theirs to lose, the Cubs started the game relaxed and it took them a while to get into their offensive rhythm that we’ve seen in recent games. Near the middle of the second part of the first half, Loyola started to turn it on, making some plays through seniors Kenechi Ekeomodi and Malcolm Hawkins. In the 19th minute Kenechi attacked, beating two defenders and putting a beautiful shot above the keeper. With that first goal of the game the score is 1-0 Loyola’s lead. With 16 minutes left in the half senior Jake Rodgers scored a nice goal off of a well placed center from Kenechi raising Loyola’s advantage to a comfortable 2-0. In the 28th minute Loyola scored yet again with a textbook finish from senior captain Nate Smith-Hastie assisted by Junior Alejandro Sanchez. Chaminade’s first shot attempt came off of a counterattack after a failed corner from Loyola, but junior keeper Cabral Carter was able to clear up Loyola’s mistake. However, Loyola redoubled their efforts after that series of sloppy play. Loyola dominated possession of the ball in the first half, winning nearly every 50-50 ball it seemed like and reaping the rewards from their aggressive press. The score going into halftime is 3-0 Loyola in the lead. Loyola carried the momentum into the second half, Nate Smith-Hastie scoring early on increasing Loyola’s lead to 4-0. Jake Rodgers scored his second goal with a beautiful shot 10 minutes into the second half. Early on in the second half we finally see Loyola’s signature offensive onslaught take its toll on the opposing team. With the score 5-0 Chaminade began to seem demoralized and tired. Malcolm Hawkins put in a goal. Shortly after, Kenechi scored again after minutes of great ball movement from Loyola pushing their lead to 7-0. Although Loyola came out shaky in the first half, they were able to stay composed and disciplined and delivered the expected outcome in the end. Overall, this was a crushing win for Loyola, defending home field and their perfect league record once again with a 7-0 win.

-Dominic Elrington ‘21