Oct. 8, 2000

MILWAUKEE-The UWM men's soccer team fell to MCC foe Loyola-Chicago, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon at Engelmann Field. Sunday's loss marks the second consecutive game the Panthers have lost to a 3-2 score in overtime, as they were also defeated by UW-Madison on Friday. UWM (7-7) now holds a 2-2 record in conference, while Loyola (7-5) sits at the top of the MCC with a 3-0 record.

"It's hard to comment on our second overtime loss in three days," said UWM coach Louis Bennett. "Loyola fought with more unity than we did. We had spells where we didn't look the part at all."

Loyola's Chris Gradilla scored the winning goal in the 3rd minute of overtime, volleying in a rebound shot from 12 yards out. Gradilla also scored the equalizer in the 34th minute of the first half when he deflected in a shot by teammate Matt Klacko, evening the score at two goals apiece. UWM goalkeeper Brad Swenby had the original 35-yard shot covered, but was unable to stop the ball when it redirected off Gradilla's back and into the goal.

Junior forward Ryan Seymour scored both goals for UWM and led the attack with five shots. Seymour's first goal came at the 18:11 mark off an assist from freshman B.J. Blake. Blake ran on to a ball played over a Loyola defender, catching it on the endline to serve a low cross in to the near post. Seymour finished it past Loyola goalkeeper Tim Caprez to tie the game, 1-1.

A minute later, Seymour scored again to take the 2-1 lead when he one-timed a chip-pass from midfielder Kyle Lance. Lance played the ball over two Loyola defenders into the box, while Seymour overlapped to put it in past Caprez from 15 yards out.

"It's bitterly disappointing because it affects what we do and how we do in our conference. Now we have to basically put ourselves in a situation where we can still host the (MCC) quarterfinal game," said Bennett.