Benney Koch, Staff Writer
VCU men’s soccer defeated Loyola University Chicago 1-0 on Saturday at the VCU Athletic Village, scoring with one second remaining in regulation to secure their first win at the new facility.
The Rams have dealt with persistent injuries throughout the season. VCU entered Saturday looking to build momentum in its final Atlantic 10 matchups while managing a depleted roster.
Both teams struggled to generate scoring opportunities in a defense-heavy first half. VCU recorded one shot on goal and Loyola had two. Fourth-year goalkeeper Trevor Maloney made two saves in the opening 15 minutes to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
In the 52nd minute, first-year midfielder Bya Ndimubandi received a second yellow card and was sent off, forcing VCU to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Despite the disadvantage, VCU continued to hold off Loyola’s attack. The Ramblers outshot the Rams 20-10, but Maloney finished with three saves to earn his first shutout of the season.
With the clock winding down, VCU found one final opportunity. Third-year defender Nikita Hayes sent a ball into the top of the six-yard box, where first-year midfielder Esteban Vasquez finished with a one-touch shot to score the game-winning goal with one second remaining.
The goal was Vasquez’s first collegiate score and Hayes’ first assist of the season. Vasquez said the moment was especially meaningful given the circumstances surrounding the match.
“Grateful for every one of my teammates, grateful to God that these are the ones that have been helping me in this journey,” Vasquez said. “[It’s] amazing, it’s my first goal. Especially in that moment of the match, with one less player – it’s a grateful day and a day to remember for all my life.”
Hayes said the team knew it needed to maintain its energy after Ndimubandi’s ejection and continue fighting for a chance to score.
“It was amazing. All of us worked really hard before the red card and then after he got sent off, we knew we had to keep our momentum going and still have the positive energy,” Hayes said. “We just kept fighting and kept trying to score, and we got a chance, and took it.”
VCU head coach Dave Giffard said the team’s morale has remained strong despite losing players to injuries throughout the season. He said the group’s willingness to step into bigger roles and continue competing is a reflection of the team’s culture.
“Guys keep stepping up and answering the bell. Today was nice to have [Esteban] come in – he’d been injured and hadn’t been available for three weeks or so, and came in and probably played his best game here for us,” Giffard said.
Giffard said the win gives the Rams three important points in the conference standings and keeps them in control of their chances to earn a position that would provide an additional week of rest before the A-10 Tournament. With the team still managing injuries and Ndimubandi unavailable for the next match, Giffard said health and recovery will be the primary focus in practice this week.
The victory moves VCU to 2-2-1 in conference play and extends its unbeaten streak to three games. With three regular-season matches remaining, the Rams will look to carry Saturday’s momentum into the final stretch as they pursue a strong position in the A-10 standings.
VCU will travel to face Saint Louis University on Saturday, Oct. 17, before taking on Duquesne on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Rams will return to the Athletic Village on Saturday, Oct. 31, to close out the regular season against George Mason University.