Despite outpacing their opponent in total shots and shots on goal at the end of 90 minutes, the stat sheet did not match up with the scoreboard for the Eastern Michigan University women’s soccer team.
The Eagles ultimately fell to Loyola University Chicago in their final non-conference match of the year, 2-0, dropping their record to 2-4 overall to open the 2025 campaign.
Zoe Hevey proved to be the home team’s kryptonite on this day, the junior putting in both goals for the Ramblers – one in the first half and one in the second.
Hevey’s goals for Loyola were her first two of the season and otherwise spoiled a standout performance from Eastern Michigan goalkeeper Ella Holland.
The redshirt junior defended three shots on goal in the opening 10 minutes for the green and white, saving four shots total during the outing.
Eastern Michigan’s offense also came to play, landing 70% of their shots during the match on goal – but seven saves from Rambler goalie Allison Deardorff were enough to keep the green and white scoreless throughout the duration of the game.
In six games this year, the Eagles have now been shut out in four of them. They have lost all four of those games and won both matches in which they’ve scored at least one goal.
Last year, Eastern Michigan also finished the year with their first undefeated season at home this millennium. This year, they have now dropped to a 1-3 mark at Scicluna Field.
The next time the Eagles return to the pitch, they will be doing so to open Mid-American Conference play.
The University of Buffalo looms large as the first conference test of the year for Eastern Michigan, a test they will have the opportunity to pass at home on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Fans can attend the match for free at Scicluna Field or stream the game live on ESPN+.
