Loyola beats Virginia 11-4. No way, right? Way.
The Loyola Grey Hounds have been a little up and down the last couple of seasons, often due to massive infestations of the injury bug. In 2016, they look healthy, deep, and dangerous, and the Hounds proved as much on Saturday, beating Virginia 11-4 at UVa’s Klockner Stadium. The 7 goal win margin is certainly impressive, but what really stands out is Loyola’s 4 goals against. That’s crazy low for this early in the season, especially against a quality opponent like Virginia.
Photo Credit: Craig Chase
Photos & Video : Loyola Beats Virginia, 11-4
Many may point to UVa now and scream “overrated!” like they knew it along, but maybe, just maybe, Loyola is a lot better than we all thought. For me, the latter is more likely true. Let’s look at the Hounds a little closer. Grant Limone was rock solid in goal, making 14 saves for the win, and while UVA got 40 shots off in the game, only 18 hit the net. UVa didn’t have a great day shooting, but credit also has to go to the Loyola D for making a lot of those shots difficult ones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1gXq4HBQfU
Foster Huggins, Jason Crane, and David Manning were stalwarts on D. They aren’t a very flashy bunch, but they play good defense, and this allows Loyola to run when they do get the ball in their sticks. When Loyola runs, they get goals from multiple scorers, and in this game, 6 Hounds found the back of the net at least once, and 7 of Loyola’s 11 goals were assisted. One of those goals was assisted by Grant Limone! As you will remember, he is the Loyola goalie.
On offense, Loyola has a bunch of guys who can get the job done, and this depth helps them immensely. Top scorers like Tyler Albrecht, Pat Spencer, and Zach Herreweyers will get more goals with more threats around them, and now that Loyola seems healthy, the threats are there.
So I’m not completely sold on UVa being down in 2016. Maybe Loyola is just that good?
